North Wales Magazine – March 2018

MARCH 2018

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MAGAZINE

top 10 easter activities

The Seven Wonders of Wales

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IT’S NO SURPRISE THEY’RE ALL UP NORTH!

HOME FROM HOME Holidaying in North Wales INSIDE J Homes & Interiors J Town in Focus J INTERVIEW

Find your perfect match OWN A HOLIDAY HOME AT ONE OF FOUR DESTINATIONS IN NORTH WALES

MAKE YOUR SECOND HOME IN NORTH WALES AND FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW SENSE OF FREEDOM Discover a choice of wonderful holiday home parks in North Wales with beautiful countryside views and gorgeous coastal vistas. Experience exceptional leisure facilities, mind-boggling family fun activities, luxurious spa experiences and restaurants offering menus of tantalising and delicious dishes. With super stylish five-star comfort guaranteed, you and your family will want for nothing.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa Aberconwy Park, Conwy LL32 8GA

New Pines Holiday Home Park Dyserth Road, Nr Dyserth, Denbighshire LL18 4DY

Purchasing your very own Darwin Escapes holiday home has never been easier – or more affordable.

With a number of options available, you can buy the holiday home of your dreams and start enjoying days full of fun, adventure, and relaxation.

Seaview Holiday Home Park Gwespyr, Nr. Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9JS

Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park Station Road, Talacre, Flintshire CH8 9RD

Imagine escaping whenever the mood takes you, and enjoying endless getaways, long weekends and full-on holidays at your own holiday home, as often as you wish

SITE FEES * INCLUDED UNTIL 1ST NOVEMBER 2019

ABERCONWY RESORT & SPA Join an exclusive club offering a world-class five-star lifestyle set in a beautiful coastal location.

Pure luxury is offered as standard, but expectations are always exceeded.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • Beautiful coastal location • Signatures Restaurant ‘Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Winner' • Indoor heated swimming pool • Luxury spa treatments • Steam room and sauna • Jacuzzi • Air-conditioned gymnasium • Unisex hair salon

FINANCE AVAILABLE

NEW PINES HOLIDAY HOME PARK New Pines offers the perfect blend of traditional holiday home ownership with a five-star country club atmosphere. Relax or be as active as you wish, all within a secure gated setting.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • • • • • • •

Indoor heated swimming pool Steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi Air-conditioned gymnasium All weather sports pitch Leisure activity programme Brasserie restaurant and bar Over 18’s lounge and family room Costa Coffee™ Evening entertainment

LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE

SUBJECT TO STATUS. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

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HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

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£39,995

£19,995

SITE FEES * INCLUDED UNTIL 1ST NOVEMBER 2019

TALACRE BEACH HOLIDAY HOME PARK Just a stone’s throw from the beach, Talacre Beach is the perfect location to experience a fantastic range of five-star facilities and recreational activities the whole family will enjoy.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • •

Indoor heated swimming pool Steam room, sauna and spa pool Air-conditioned gymnasium Leisure and activities programme • Bar and restaurant • Entertainment lounge • Evening entertainment

LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE

SEAVIEW HOLIDAY HOME PARK An intimate luxury five-star holiday park, situated in an unrivalled location. Either enjoy the peace and calm or use a range of facilities at Talacre Beach only a mile away.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • •

Breathtaking sea views Peaceful and relaxing location Close to sandy beaches Use of Talacre Beach’s facilities: Indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, spa pool, air-conditioned gymnasium, leisure and activities programme, bar, restaurant, entertainment lounge and evening entertainment

FINANCE AVAILABLE

SUBJECT TO STATUS. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

£19,995

SUBJECT TO STATUS. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR EXCLUSIVE PARK TOUR, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LIVE CHAT WITH ONE OF OUR LOVELY TEAM OR TELEPHONE:

01745 858 010

www.darwinescapes.co.uk

For a lifetime of memories

*Site Fee offer only available at Talacre Beach and New Pines. Applies to new customer purchases only on selected new and pre-owned models. No part exchange allowance can be used in conjunction with this offer.

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MAGAZINE

Page 6 NWM 2017

MAGAZINE

Dear Reader

As a parent I absolutely loved Simon Smith’s education column this month. I was brought up to think that the internet was the greatest thing since sliced bread – it is now my biggest nightmare.

For me, personally, I love the freedom that the

Thank God then, that North Wales has such

web provides. Being able to work remotely (is

a plethora of activities available for children

there any other kind of working?!) and at the

and young people.

hours that suit me is an absolute dream – and the reason why North Wales Magazine is

The moral of Simon’s story is to get them

able to actually exist. But there is no denying

(the kids that is), out and about as much as

that, for children, the internet can do more

possible. We’ve got some great ideas on page

harm than good.

35 but, if you can’t make it to any specific locations this Easter, then at least make sure

“They [children] are connected globally

that you drag your offspring either into the

via the internet, yet these pressures and

woods or down to the beach. You know they’ll

connections enable a teenager not just to be

love it once they get there!

distracted but to disassociate themselves from their immediate community,” says Simon on page 87.

I couldn’t agree more. Simon’s advice is to get kids involved with as much sport, drama and general community projects as possible.

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

Did you know that the name Pwllheli means ‘salt water pool’?

J Are you organising or taking part in an event that should be covered in our what’s on listings? Then make sure you tell us! whatson@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Keep in touch. Send in your contributions, letters, photos and press releases and become part of the North Wales Magazine family. editorial@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Subscribe. If you want to ensure that you receive each and every copy of North Wales Magazine then why not subscribe? All you pay for is the post and packaging. subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Advertise. If you own a business in North Wales and want to get your message in front of 20,000 local readers every month then drop us a line. Prices start from just £75. sales@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

J

J

In this issue...

We want to hear from you!

Planning your Easter break has never been so easy

Front cover credit: The Beach Caravan Park, Llanddulas www.thornleyleisure.co.uk

NWM 2018 Page 7

Ffilmiau Mawrth March Films

MAGAZINE

PG

Darkest Hour

Swyddfa Docynnau/Box Office

01286 685 222 galericaernarfon.com @_galeri_

15

Mer/Wed | 21.03.18 | 14:00, 19:30

Sad/Sat | 17.03.18 | 19:30

125m

12A

Journey’s End

Psycho Vertical

Mer/Wed | 07.03.18 | 14:00, 19:30

GaleriCaernarfon

60m

107m

U

PG

Tad the Last Explorer & the Secret of King Midas

Early Man

Sul/Sun | 25.03.18 | 14:00 Llun/Mon | 26.03.18 | 10:00

Sul/Sun | 25.03.18 | 11:00 Llun/Mon | 26.03.18 | 16:30 Maw/Tue | 27.03.18 | 11:00 89m

85m

12A

12A

Un Tango Más (The Last Tango)

Finding Your Feet

Maw/Tue | 27.03.18 | 19:30

Sul/Sun | 25.03.18 | 18:00 Llun/Mon | 26.03.18 | 14:00 Maw/Tue | 27.03.18 | 14:00 111m

£1

ar y diwrrnod / on the day: £2.50

100m

Tocynnau / Tickets ymlaen llaw | in advance: £5.50 - £4.50 (aelodau PRIMA members: £3.50)

Page 8 NWM 2017 ar y diwrnod | on the day: £7 - £6 (aelodau PRIMA members: £3.50)

Cefnogir y rhaglen sinema gan Ffilm Cymru Wales / Our cinema programme is supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales

Contents 11 What’s On?

Your guide to all of the best events, shows, festivals

and days out taking place in North Wales this March

Art Director Simon Marriott

The rich history of Criccieth Castle

21 Holiday Homes Stay in your very own home from home this spring

29 Town in Focus 35 Top 10…

29 45

Easter Activities

41 The Seven Wonders of Wales fantastic landmarks

45 Interview with Chloe Keenan The 2016 winner of Britain’s Next Top Model hails

whatson @northwalesmagazine.co.uk

from Llandudno

49 Food & Drink

North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced

by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.

The area’s wining, dining & culinary scene

67 Homes & Interiors Get inspired by homes that are on the market, interiors and a bedroom special

A roundup of regional happenings

69

85 In my opinion…

Our expert columnists share their thoughts

95 Crossword Get to grips with our brain-teasing puzzle

97 Competition Win a prom dress worth £365 with Charlotte James Boutique

98 Horoscopes

Contributors Stephen Gregory Alison Hough Tim Watson Cai Ross Julian Hughes Simon Smith Steve Goodier Nick Embrey Luke Edwards Caroline Roberts Contact Us editorial @northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales @northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

Stephen Gregory gives a bird’s eye view of these

82 Community News

Editor Kate Hamilton Publisher Grant Hamilton

18 The Big Picture

Enjoy a day trip to the seaside town of Pwllheli

MAGAZINE

97

Disclaimer: All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of North Wales Magazine.

The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured. All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed. North Wales Magazine is not associated with any newspaper group.

See what the future holds with Portmeirion resident Russell Grant

NWM 2018 Page 9

"One of the greatest railway journeys in the world..."

MAGAZINE

• Enjoy spectacular scenery while you travel through Snowdonia in comfortable, modern carriages • On-board refreshments service • Short or long trips available

FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS Page 10 NWM 2018 festrail.co.uk

01766 516024

Patriotic charity concert 1st St David’s Hospice has organised a charity concert for this evening to raise funds for local palliative care services which are provided at the purpose built hospice on Abbey Road, Llandudno.The concert will take place at St John’s Methodist Church, Llandudno at 7:30pm featuring Côr Meibion Colwyn and rising star, North Wales Baritone; Twm Tegid

What’s on this...

March

French Wine & Dine

Land / Sea 3rd MOSTYN presents Land / Sea – a four-month exhibition by artist Mike Perry whose work engages with significant and pressing environmental issues, in

2nd

particular the tension between human

Shake off those Winter Blues with a fabulous French food

activity and interventions in the natural

and wine evening at Gwinllan Conwy. Enjoy hearty regional

environment, and the fragility of the

French dishes accompanied by some wonderful French Wine

planet’s ecosystems. The exhibition runs from today until

matched to each course. Voilà!

1st July.

Binocular and telescope weekend 3rd & 4th Come to RSPB Conwy this weekend and get some hands-on advice about binoculars and telescopes from their friendly,

Shezad Dawood

impartial team. This free event takes place between 10am and

3rd

4pm each day

A major four-month exhibition of the work of artist Shezad Dawood begins in MOSTYN today. His work

Sue Brand with stitch work

Leviathan is an episodic narrative

3rd & 4th

around notions of borders, mental

Sue makes very beautiful cushions,

health and marine welfare issues

bags, aprons and more at Afonwen

of foremost concern, resonating

today, using some fabulous textiles

profoundly with both coastal locations

to suit today’s homes and trends

and contemporary life

Photography exhibition 3rd The Wild Welsh Mountain Goats of Dinorwig photography

Spring Workshop

exhibition opens in Llanberis

3rd & 4th

today. It is thought these goats

Learn to paint realistic wildlife

have been in the Snowdonia

using pastels. This two-day small

mountain range since at least

workshop costs just £60 excluding

4500BC. The exhibition runs

materials. For all enquires visit

until the end of May

kazturner.com

NWM 2018 Page 11

MAGAZINE

March St David’s Day Celebrations 3rd & 4th Ever wanted to learn a little Welsh? If so, then you won’t

Smokie

want to miss out on Erddig’s St David’s Day celebrations this

6th

weekend. Children won’t be forgotten either, as there will

From their landmark ballad of unrequited love, ‘Living

be plenty of crafts and activities to enjoy throughout the

Next Door to Alice’ to more chart topping hits like ‘Lay

weekend

Back in the Arms of Someone’, Smokie is a massive success story that has continued to flourish. Come and see them play live at Venue Cymru tonight

Woofs & wellies walk 4th St David’s Hospice is hosting

Remi Harris Trio

a ‘woofs & wellies walk’ today.

6th

The 3-mile walk starts from

The Remi Harris Trio take Gypsy Swing characteristics and

the hospice in Llandudno at

infuse them with influences from Jazz, Blues, Rock’n’Roll,

1pm, along West Shore beach to

Funk, World Music and more. They play an eclectic mix of

Deganwy and back. The £5 fee

original compositions, jazz standards and new arrangements

includes a free doggy bow tie,

at Llangollen Pavilion tonight

and each dog that completes the walk will be treated to a complimentary session at the

Denbigh Floral Art Club

hydrotherapy and rehabilitation

6th

facilities at Mochdre Veterinary

Denbigh Floral Art

Practice

Club has been running successfully for over

Anglesey Half Marathon

50 years now and promotes fun and

4th

friendship through

The iconic Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon declares

flowers, and arranging

itself to be the most beautiful half marathon in the UK. The

them artistically. The

route is undulating yet quick but, most of all, it is incredibly

club meets on the first

stunning. Starting on the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge and

Tuesday of the month at

running in front of the gorgeous Snowdonia backdrop this

Capel Mawr Schoolroom

race is truly one of a kind. Visit alwaysaimhighevents.com for

in Denbigh at 7.30pm. It has professional demonstrators

more information

each month, and they all have their own way of telling stories about their arrangements and these are raffled at the end of the evening. For more details call Jenny on 01745 710208

Spring Workshops 7th Learn to paint realistic wildlife art using pastel tiger portrait over one afternoon per week. The six week course starts today in Wrexham, and it costs £90 (excluding materials). Call 01978 363539 for more information

Page 12 NWM 2018

Anton & Erin

Free entry for Mums!

8th

11th

Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple when they

Bring your Mum for a nice day out to celebrate Mother’s Day

return to Venue Cymru tonight. Featuring dazzling new

at RSPB Conwy today. Walk, talk, watch wildlife, shop and

choreography, sparkling costumes and a sensational show

relax in the coffee shop

band performing timeless music

Tai Chi 15th A Tai Chi Workshop for adults takes place at RSPB Conwy today. The class takes place between 10 and 11am, and is suitable for beginners. £5 pay on the day. Call Henry Shallcross on 07563 085945 for more information

Hand weaving

Liverpool Shanty Singers 16th

9th

The new Llandudno Lifeboat Supporters was

Trevor Blackburn brings his hand looms with him to Afonwen

created in January and its first event will be held on 16th

today and will be working while here – he’s also happy for you

March. The Liverpool Shanty Singers will be performing at

to have a go. Trevor has a fabulous collection of scarves in a

North Wales Golf Club on the West Shore of Llandudno in

variety of colours, all of which are hand made

aid of this good cause. Tickets are £12.50 which include a

Bangor Science Festival

‘Hot Pot’ supper. Tickets are available from the RNLI shop in town or the golf club itself

10th – 18th As part of the British Science Week, Bangor Science Festival offers something for everyone, from activities for families and school groups, to adults looking for entertainment and stimulating debate, or professionals interested in the latest research

Mother’s Day Guided Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting 11th Take your mum for a guided tour at Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard today

Mindfulness in the Woods

to celebrate Mother’s Day in style.

16th & 17th

The Vineyard Manager will be your

Come to Chirk Castle where qualified and experienced

guide and talk about a year in the

tutors will take you through a range of activities aimed at

vineyard from pruning to harvest

giving students techniques which they can take forward

and everything in between! Then

to practise Mindfulness in their own time. The session

you’ll return to the wine room for

will include; walking, body scans, mindfulness exercises,

a tasting of Gwinllan’s wines. Call

nature awareness and nature connection. This session is

01492 545596 for more information

suitable for anyone over the age of 18. The class runs for three hours, from 10am until 1pm and costs £25 per person

NWM 2018 Page 13

MAGAZINE

March Antique, Collectors and Vintage Fair

Conwy Seed Fair 20th Pop down to Conwy’s High Street today to visit this 700year old Royal Charter Fair with seeds and plant stalls, honey and farmers’ market stalls

17th Town Hall today selling a wide variety of goods with prices

Illustrator Natalie Griffiths

to suit everybody e.g. China, glass, jewellery (both costume

22nd

and fine), books, paintings and prints, silver, small pieces of

Natalie will be at Afonwen

furniture, vintage fashion, etc. No dateline but preferably no

for the first time this year.

new goods

She certainly is a talented

A small and friendly Antique Fair takes place in Llandudno

lady and has commissions to illustrate books, signs,

Spring Nature Trail

cards and character pictures.

17th

She is also happy to take on

Penrhyn Castle’s gardens are home

commission work

to some very special honey bees who help to keep the garden in bloom. Discover more about these amazing creatures on the special bee trail around the castle gardens which opens today

17 th

and runs until 22nd April

Big Snowdonia Quiz How well do you think you know Snowdonia, its mountains, history and people? Why not test your knowledge and support the Snowdonia Society by taking part in its Big Snowdonia Quiz tonight? Get your team together and come join quiz master and Society trustee Sarah McCarthy in Caffi Siabod in Betws y Coed for one of the only quiz nights dedicated to raising money to help protect the National Park.

March Manouche

Call 01286 685498 to book

23rd – 25th Come to Anglesey this weekend to enjoy the best of Gypsy

Ladbrokes Players Championship Snooker 19th – 25th The best snooker

Jazz and Swing Manouche. There are both camping and music workshops on offer. Visit www.marchmanouche.co.uk for more info

players on the planet

6th TRAIL

will be heading to

24th

Llandudno for the fourth

Forget the London Marathon. It’s time to get psyched up for

year in a row this week

Saturday’s 6th TRAIL 6km run around the mythical and

when Venue Cymru

magical trails of the Gwyllt in Portmeirion’s woodlands. It’s the

stages the Ladbrokes

run that takes no prisoners. For more information, please visit

Players Championship.

www.6thtrail.co.uk

Page 14 NWM 2018

24th

24th – 8th April

The Running Rabbit Trail

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 2018

Bodnant Gardens opens its spring trail today. Use your five

Those busy bees have been helping the

senses to find out all about nature as you stroll around the

Easter Bunny hide his clues amongst the

garden

flowers and trees at Penrhyn Castle. Can you solve the puzzle and claim your chocolate reward?

24th & 25th

Weekend Art Workshop Learn to paint in pastel at Bodnant Art Studio, Conwy, with professional artist and author Paul Pigram this weekend.

Paul will teach you the techniques of pastel painting and guide you, in a step-by-step process, through to a completed picture. The cost is £125 for the two days and all materials are supplied. Students will each receive a complimentary signed copy of Paul’s tutorial book, ‘Beginning Pastel’. For booking and accommodation enquires email katepigram@aol.co.uk 24th

Great Orme Giant Walk

24th & 25th

There is a choice of fabulous walks around Llandudno’s Great

Jewels crafts

Orme today – all in the name of charity. Choose between the

Jackie is a favourite with Afonwen’s

full 20-mile day and night time adventure or, for the 10-mile

visitors making jewellery; she uses many

option, you can chose between a day time start, or set off a bit

beads, crystals and semi precious stones

later in time to see the sunset from the Great Orme. Either way

creating pieces for all ages and occasions.

you know it’s for a good cause. www.breeseadventures.co.uk

Jackie is happy to take on repair work as well to fix a piece you love

24th

Waves, Mud and Mountains

25th

Waves Mud and Mountains returns to Surf Snowdonia for the

Jasper Carrott’s ‘Stand Up & Rock’

second year today. Each participant will be challenged against

The legendary Jasper Carrott is back at Venue Cymru with a

the legendary natural elements of the majestic Conwy Valley

new stand up show before introducing his musical compatriots

– the waves, mud and mountains! Distance-wise, it’s close to

that have been ‘rockin’ audiences all over the world. Bev Bevan,

10km so it will test your

as well as being Jasper’s mate, has rock star credentials that

stamina, agility and mental

most dream of – so don’t miss this unique show tonight!

strength to the max

24th

Stand up at the Seaside Join Dave Rothnie and his great comedy line up at The Station Pub in Colwyn Bay tonight. It’s hands down the best comedy night in the region

NWM 2018 Page 15

MAGAZINE

March

25th

The Harlech Triathlon & Duathlon Everything you love about the

Harlech Triathlon will return better than ever in 2018, including both the Triathlon and Duathlon, the famous ‘Storm the Castle’ finale, and even the free bacon butties at the finish line. Call 01248 723553 for further info

28th

Conwy Farmers’ Market Wander the stalls at Conwy farmers’ market today to buy your fresh vegetables, local meats, cheeses, jams, pickles and lots more! This free event is held at RSPB Conwy between 9am and 1pm 31st 28th

Nature days with Wild Elements

Sea Ceramics Throughout the history of Portmeirion Village, the sea has

Those Wild Elements bods at Plas Newydd House and

been an ever-present theme. To celebrate Wales’ year of sea

Garden have a host of fun activities for you to take part

and pottery legend Susan Williams-Ellis’ 100th birthday, a

in today. From bug hunting and snail racing to bug hotel

carefully curated exhibition of her works will be exhibited

building and pond dipping – go and get wild!

in Portmeirion’s iconic Dome. The free exhibition (after Portmeirion entry costs) runs for five months from today, and is open between 11am and 3pm daily

30th

LDN Wrestling

31st

LDN Wrestling is

Antique, Collectors and Vintage Fair

coming to Llandundo

This popular fair is on in Llandudno Town Hall again today.

this evening for an

Selling a wide variety of goods with prices to suit everybody

explosive night of top action. Bringing a 31st – 2nd April

host of top American wrestling stars to the

Medieval Easter Egg-stravaganza! – with pic

ring, this hopes to be

Denbigh Castle will be hosting its annual Medieval Egg-

great entertainment for all the family to enjoy

stravaganza over the Easter weekend, packing in everything from your traditional Easter Egg Hunt and craft making

30th – 2nd April

Easter Eggstravaganza

activities to Medieval combat, have-a-go archery and living history into one jam-packed weekend

Help Beaumaris Castle wind back the clock – 700 years to be precise. Meet a host of warrior knights who will help you experience life in the Medieval times. The event takes place every day over Easter between 10am and 5pm

Page 16 NWM 2018

Are you organising or taking part in an event that should be covered in our what’s on listings? Then get in touch! whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

FOOD & D RINK | C ONSES S IONS | EVENTS

LLANDUDNO’S PREMIER ATTRACTION Llandudno Pier is the premier attraction to visit whilst on holiday in Llandudno, a fantastic holiday venue in Wales. We are Wales’ longest Pier and offer superb views, concessions, a relaxing stroll and excellent food stalls.

Relax, and enjoy the leisurely pace as you explore our friendly shops and stalls. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of Llandudno and the Irish Sea.

SCHOOLS / GROUPS WELCOME WITH PARKING NEARBY | DISABLED VISITOR ACCESS NORTH WALES NO.1 AMUSEMENT ARCADES | SUPERVISED CHILDRENS PLAY AREA SPECIALIST SHOPS

01492 876258 | simonmason@llandudnopier.com Llandudno Pier, North Parade, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2LP

NWM 2018 Page 17

MAGAZINE

Page 18 NWM 2018

The big picture Criccieth Castle is located on the headland between two beaches on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay. Built by Llywelyn the Great in the 1230s, it is believed that the Welsh prince may have taken design inspiration from a range of English castles, hence its English style of gatehouse. Despite its Welsh start however, Edward I’s forces took the castle around 50 years later, and undertook their own improvements – including redesigning a tower for stone-throwing engines. A new visitor centre opened at the castle last year, featuring drone footage and computer reconstructions that provide a glimpse of the castle as it would have looked hundreds of years ago. There is also a replica medieval chamber where visitors can watch three projections, each telling a story of various characters from Llywelyn the Great’s era. © Crown copyright (2007) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

NWM 2018 Page 19

LUXURY HOLIDAY LODGES FOR SALE MAGAZINE

Stunning 2 & 3 Bedroom luxury holiday lodges for sale from £149,995

Breathtaking Sea Views Imagine your very own holiday home retreat in North Wales that offers you the perfect opportunity to escape, relax and enjoy!

To arrange a tour of our beautiful 5 Star Park please call us today on 01492 515345.

www.thornleyleisure.co.uk

Page 20 NWM 2018

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS Whether you love a lodge or crave a caravan, there is no denying that North Wales has an abundance of both. The problem, says Nick Embrey, is choosing the one that is right for you…

Hopefully, by the time this magazine is safely in your hands, the days will be lengthening – even if only slightly.

Daffodils and tulips will have sprouted, rearing their heads precociously in confident manner, offering us winter weary folk the first signs that spring is, at last, drawing close. And, just like that, our thoughts tend to move towards summer and, more importantly, summer holiday accommodation.

Whether it is uncertainty over Brexit, a fear of flying or a desire to cut down on your carbon footprint, the list of reasons keeping UK holidaymakers within these shores is ever lengthening. And, once you’ve made the decision to stay, you’d be mad not to place North Wales front and centre in the race for your hard-earned holiday time and cash. Where previous editions of the magazine have gone to great lengths to promote and demonstrate the myriad of activities and entertainments on offer in the region, I have the pleasure of helping you decide which corner of this excellent part of the

ABOVE: Ty Cam is a beautifully renovated property a mile and a half from Aberdaron, and is available to rent from Abersoch Holiday Homes

world you could make your own for the summer break. As always, there is a lot to choose from, be it rental or purchase, lodge or caravan. The one thing they all have in common is the quality of their stunning North Walian surroundings.

First up, let us focus on the rental market and the wide range

LEFT: Each lodge at Pennant Park comes with a veranda for anyone wishing to soak up the sun in style

of options the region has to offer. Lovers of the Llŷn Peninsula – to which I count myself as one – could start by considering Hafan Y Mor in Pwllheli for their break. A must for families, walkers and pet lovers, visitors to this park will be treated to

NWM 2018 Page 21

MAGAZINE

ABOVE: The Beach also offers direct access to one of Europe’s largest cycle paths

The Paddocks provides a gated community for total peace of mind

Also keen to play up the dog friendly nature of the place, Hafan holidaymakers can pack Fido’s bowl, bed and biscuits and bring him along too, meaning his now redundant kennel costs can be put towards the evening entertainment bill instead. On that subject, this site is one of Haven’s six ‘Theatre Abersoch Holiday Homes offers a wide range of properties to rent, including at The Warren

Company Park’ venues that offer evening theatre productions including ‘Oh What a Night’ and ‘Festival of Anthems.’ Don’t just confine your ‘down time’ to the summer alone either, as the park is open for business from Easter onwards and is promoting an

stunning views of the beautiful and idyllic coastline from

Egg Hunt and coastal nature trails for the youngsters, as well

the moment they arrive. A range of accommodation types

as stripped back live acoustic musical entertainment for

on site include both static caravans and luxury lodges,

adults over the long weekend break.

should you desire that little bit extra. As a part of the ‘Haven’ company, family holidays are Hafan Y Mor’s bread

Further along the Llŷn Peninsula, the famous water sports

and butter and parents can be assured of tired children

town of Abersoch plays host to some of our next group of

at the end of their stay. A range of activities for your visit

rental properties. Abersoch Holiday Homes offers a wide and

might include a trip on the boating lake, roaming freely

extensive range of chalet style cottages with something for

around the park on a Segway, taking to the trees for a rope

everyone. As its brochure proudly proclaims, the “Warren

walk or whiling away the hours on the slides and flumes

in Abersoch is one of North Wales’ most exclusive holiday

that spiral down into the recently refurbished swimming

destinations,” which includes, amongst other things, a private

pool – a pool which just won 2017’s Holiday Park Pool of

beach boasting golden sands and magnificent views of

the Year no less. Of course, not wanting to point out the

Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia.

obvious, there is also the significant matter of a rather large mountain range to explore just behind Hafan Y Mor in the

Opting for a break on the Warren might well be a clear sign

shape of Snowdonia, as well as the Irish Sea to dip your

that you are water sports crazy, and who am I to argue. Be

toes into. In short, there’ll be plenty to do for the

it sailing, speed boating or water skiing, there are simply

whole family.

masses of ways to have fun in the sea in this area and so

Page 22 NWM 2018

RIGHT: Haven’s Hafan Y Mor is the ideal holiday park for families

you would be well placed for such waterborne distractions.

opposable thumbs and suitable grasp of the English language.

Away from the Warren itself, the less energetic amongst you may want to base yourselves in the heart of the town

If you are still unsure about whether to buy or rent your

instead in order to better soak up its vibe. If this has piqued

dream holiday this year, The Beach Caravan Park might be

your attention, Abersoch Holiday Homes is especially excited

an option for you as it offers both options to its customers.

to advertise and promote Harbourside View, a recently

Situated between the fabulous bays of Colwyn and Kinmel,

refurbished six-berth apartment right in the middle of

this site provides majestic views of Llanddulas beach and the

Abersoch town. Besides a brilliantly central location, patrons

Little Orme promontory at sunset. One for the restless, The

will be mesmerized by the spectacular harbour vista that

Beach also offers direct access to one of Europe’s largest cycle

greets them upon arrival.

paths as well as being a perfect place for walking and other shoreline activities. The park is close to several towns further

Despite its name, Abersoch Holiday Homes offers properties

up and down the coast including Conwy, Llandudno and Rhos-

for rent all over the wonderful Llŷn Peninsula and not just in

on-Sea, making it an excellent choice for sand lovers and

the famous town that shares its name. You might therefore

shoppers alike.

be tempted to look beyond this famous water skier’s paradise to find your dream holiday. Only a matter of miles further

There are plenty of amenities on or near to the site to tempt

around the coastline beyond Hells Mouth you’ll find fabulous

would-be visitors as well. The Beachcomber Club and Tides

Aberdaron, where Abersoch Holiday Homes have other

Café Bistro have the on-site facilities sewn up, whilst a short

interests in the market. Ty Cam for example, a beautifully

car journey will deliver excited holidaymakers to a variety

renovated property a mile and a half from the tiny seaside

of must have entertainments including the Abergele Golf

town comes well recommended for tourists who want to

Club and Kinmel Spa. Let us not forget the children either,

take the dog with them along for the ride and to sample the

The Beach certainly hasn’t. Families with youngsters can

great coastal walks in the area. As a Labrador owner myself,

rest assured their interests have been catered for. I am not

and a regular visitor to Aberdaron, I can assure you that my

too old to remember myself the importance of entertainment

dog would be only too keen to recommend anywhere along

tailored to a younger audience which, at The Beach, includes

this coastline for a summer break, were it not for his lack of

a children’s play area, a ‘Pirates Locker’ with games, arcade

NWM 2018 Page 23

MAGAZINE

RIGHT: Hafan Y Mor in Pwllheli is a must for families, walkers and dog lovers BELOW: All of Pennant Park’s interiors are unique, elegant and fully customisable

machines, a ‘pop counter’ and a specially designated TV room. Of course, provided your child is old enough to do so, you might just fill their spare time getting them to walk the family hound, as this site is totally dog friendly also.

Then there’s something for those holidaymakers wanting to put down more lasting roots and play some golf. Pennant

The heat is on – or off!

When purchasing a holiday home there are

Park Holiday Lodges, situated between Conwy and Chester will delight those looking to relax and enjoy some of North Wales’ picturesque countryside. Presently,

obviously numerous other factors to consider - and

their 15 luxury lodges are for sale only, although high demand

heating is perhaps at the top of your list. Heating

has encouraged the development of a neighbouring site

your holiday home can be expensive, even more

offering a further 18 lodges which, in the future, will offer

so when there is nobody living in it. Most often

owners the chance to sub-let. Boasting spellbinding views of

you may find yourself switching your heating

the Dee estuary, the park is a perfect location for those looking

off altogether during the winter season to avoid

for a golfing break or a ramble through the area’s nature trails.

costly energy bills, only to find you have suffered

The most adventurous of you might opt for both, and then push

burst pipes and leaks, causing substantial

on for a spot of horse riding or fishing, anything to justify that

water damage. Otherwise you find yourself

chastening drink at the 19th hole. Of course, those serious

wastefully heating your home throughout the cold

golfers may just pack the clubs and leave the fishing tackle at

months, to avoid being caught out by freezing

home. Pennant’s excellent course is set in “110 acres of stunning

temperatures. But fear not, because North West

parkland” and includes a practice putting green and a six bay

Heating Solutions can now give you the power to

driving range – enough to satisfy the hungriest of golfers.

take complete control of your heating, even when you are not at home. Each North West Heating

And what of the evening, when the day’s golf, hiking or fishing

Solutions electric radiator has an intelligent

is done? Those investing in a Pennant Park lodge know they

thermostat that can be individually set by room to

are returning to a little luxury. All their homes are finished

any temperature you specify, while the Smartapp

to the highest standards and complete with interiors that are

has been cleverly designed to automatically

unique, elegant and fully customizable. Each lodge also comes

monitor room temperature so that the radiators

with a veranda for anyone wishing to soak up the sun in style.

can switch themselves on and off – meaning that

Pennant offers would-be buyers the chance to ‘try before you

you only pay for heat when you need it.

buy’ as it were, encouraging perspective customers to check

www.northwestheatingsolutions.co.uk

Page 24 NWM 2018

out the golf course for the day and wander the surroundings before deciding whether it is right for them.

Just a short drive from wonderful Llandudno, The Paddocks Lodge Park brings our summer holiday sojourn to a close in fine style. Like Pennant Park, The Paddocks offers luxury lodges for sale only and has a variety of tempting reasons to help you make your choice. From the brochure, The Paddocks is a luxury lodge park that offers you everything you could want from a holiday home, with master bedrooms, en suites, modern kitchens and more. For those wanting assured privacy, The Paddocks also provides a gated community for total peace of mind.

If that sense of permanency is important, then selecting the right lodge at the right destination can be vital. The Paddocks lodges come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are all built to the highest quality specification. Location wise, the site is ideal for those travelling from East or West and is situated near the A55. Snowdonia is close, so too the historic adventures of

TOP LEFT: While Hafan Y Mor has an abundance of activities, it is also a great place to relax TOP RIGHT: The Paddocks has a range of luxury lodges for sale ABOVE: Pennant Park is a perfect location for those looking for a golfing break

Contacts Abersoch Holiday Homes www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk Hafan Y Mor www.haven.com Pennant Park Lodges www.pennant-park.co.uk

Rhuddlan Castle. Better still, eagle-eyed bargain hunters can

The Beach Caravan Park

make a regular pilgrimage each Sunday (between February

www.thornleyleisure.co.uk

and October anyway) to the market and car boot sale nearby. If pampering and pruning is higher on your list of holiday priorities

The Paddocks Lodge Park

than rambling and ruins, fear not, as lodge owners have access

www.paddockslodgepark.co.uk

via the premium membership scheme to the nearby Kinmel Spa. Membership includes use of the gymnasium and thermal suite as well as showers and pools.

Whether it is for the good of the mind, body or soul, we all need a nice holiday from time to time. So, be it the rental market or something more long-lasting, caravan or lodge, seaside or mountain views, there is something here for everyone, meaning

Nick Embrey is a teacher from the borders who recently started blogging about the antics of his crazy brown Labrador called Dudley. You can follow them at www.stareofthedog.co.uk

that you can enjoy your holiday time and time again. n

NWM 2018 Page 25

MAGAZINE

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Page 28 NWM 2018

www.snowdoniawindows.co.uk

PART OF THE WALL-LAG GROUP OF COMPANIES

EXPLORING

Pwllheli If you’re looking for a seaside destination to visit this spring, then look no further than Pwllheli. Steve Goodier reports from the Llŷn Peninsula.

One of my very earliest memories of coming to North Wales

Wednesdays (and Sundays in summer) in the centre of the

was of being carried on the shoulders of my father along

town at Y Maes (literally ‘the field’ or ‘the town square’).

the seafront and past the harbour at Pwllheli. I have no idea what we were doing there and my dear old dad can’t

Pwllheli is the ‘unofficial’ Capital of the lovely Llŷn and

enlighten me either, but I recall it was a sunny day and to my

is located on Cardigan Bay at either the entrance to this

young eyes the sea looked almost Mediterranean blue. And,

peninsula or at the end of it – depending on your point of

on a similarly blue-sky day many years later, I stopped for a

view. Either way it is to be found in a stunning situation and

break by the sea here and was sat on a bench eating some

makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Area of

sandwiches when I was joined by a man walking his dog. We

Outstanding Natural Beauty and the lovely beaches, coast

got to talking and he told me how he had started with a small

and towns around it. The town’s beaches are predominantly

stall on Pwllheli seafront selling sweets, rock and ice-cream

south facing and it says much that they have been awarded

and had progressed to owning several of the town’s shops

the much sought after European Blue Flag Award. There

plus a successful timber merchants nearby. He left me after

is plenty of space on them to find a nice spot on a windless

bemoaning the fact that he thought the town’s tourist season

sunny summer’s day and just lay back and relax – they

had shrunk to cover only the summer period from Whitsun

never seem to get too full or overcrowded. Near the marina

Bank Holiday to August Bank Holiday.

you will find Glan y Mor beach which is very sheltered and lovely and sandy and starts near the river mouth and runs

This conversation took place many years ago and he may

for about three miles. The towns other beach, South Beach

have been right at the time, but modern day Pwllheli is

(Marian Y De), is predominately shingle and pebble and runs

bustling and busy.

more or less the entire length of the long promenade from the unmistakable Gimlet Rock (the site of a former granite quarry)

It’s true that the Llŷn Peninsula has many and varied

to continue towards Penrhos and Llanbedrog. There is plenty

attractions, and the likes of Pwllheli feels a very long way for

of space for children to play around and also a play area and

visitors driving to it from England, but it has charm and is

skate park nearby just to keep them interested.

much loved by tourists and day trippers alike.

The town’s name means ‘salt water pool’ and it has a

For those who like to sail Pwllheli Marina is thought to be one

long history and received its borough charter in 1355 by

of the very best in The United Kingdom and boasts around

Edward The Black Prince - a market is still held weekly on

400 berths. On a bright breezy day the colourful boats make

NWM 2018 Page 29

MAGAZINE

What to do

PLAS YN RHIW HOUSE

WALK A SECTION OF THE LLYN COASTAL PATH

day out. A visit here gives you the chance to learn about the

The Llŷn Coastal Path is a way marked 91-mile long distance

history and residents of this fascinating 19th Century building.

path running along the coast of The Llŷn Peninsula. It forms

Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the man who is the Welsh architect

part of the massive Wales Coastal Path that runs for 870 miles

who built the Italianate village of Portmeirion had an input here

around the whole coast of Wales. The Llŷn Coastal Path runs

and his additions include a green slate floor as you arrive and

from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and passes through Pwllheli.

a gothic door. The house is remarkable to walk around and

So if you are going to spend time in the area bring along your

explore and then there are the organic gardens which celebrate

boots and walking gear and take in a section of it either

every season of the year. There are often seasonal walks on

walking out and back along one part or doing a linear walk

offer with the gardener and wildlife events too. Plas yn Rhiw is

and using buses or a friend to get you back to the start. You

closed from November to March.

can expect superb beach and cliff walking as well as visits to

www.nationatrust.org.uk/plas-yn-rhiw

Owned and run by The National Trust, Plas yn Rhiw House is a short ten-mile drive from Pwllheli and makes a great family

hidden coves and bays.

GLASFRYN PARC Here are a few books to help you get the best out of it:

Glasfryn Parc bills itself as ‘North Wales’ Premier Activity

• The Llŷn Coastal Path by Des Marshall

Centre’ and it’s hard to argue with this statement once you

• The Wales Coastal Path - Llŷn Peninsula Bangor to

have paid it a visit. Think of an activity and the chances are

Porthmadog by Carl Rogers and Tony Bowerman • Wales Coast Path – Llŷn Peninsula Top Ten Walks by Carl Rogers

you can do it here. In the wakeboard pool you can wakeboard, kayak and paddleboard. Other outdoor activities include go karting, Segway safaris, junior quad bike track, crazy golf, archery, clay pigeon shooting, fishing and the chance to camp.

NANT GWRTHEYRN

Indoors there is ten pin bowling and a soft play area are for

Nant Gwrtheyrn is set in a wonderful location and is a Welsh

younger children. On top of this there is a cafe and a licensed

Language and Heritage Centre. Opened in 2003 the centre

bar. Be warned, it gets busy.

makes a great day out and offers a wealth of information

www.glasfryn.co.uk

about the history of the area which is shown through fascinating displays. One exhibition tells the story of the

PENARTH FAWR MEDIEVAL HOUSE

quarrying village of Port Nant through film and radio clips.

Penarth Fawr Medieval House is a hidden gem of an ancient

Then there are photo flip books about Nant Gwrytheyrn

house with thick stone walls, high ceilings, superbly carved

itself and about King Gwrtheyrn as well as computer games

timberwork and a feeling of timelessness about it. The house

that offer the chance to test your knowledge about the daily

was built in the 15th Century and the owners went out to

routine of Victorian housewives, place names on The Llŷn

impress when they designed the property. Located at Chwilog,

Peninsula and all things Welsh related in the region. You can

Penarth Fawr is a Grade 1 listed building and it was believed that

also visit Meinir’s Tree and learn about the tragic love story of

it was originally built by Hywel ap Madog possibly around the

Rhys and Meinir. Nant Gwrtheyrn offers a unique day out with

1450’s. Extensive restoration work was carried out in 1937 and

entertainment for the whole family.

today a visit here makes an interesting and absorbing day out.

www.natgwrtheyrn.org

www.snowdoniahertiage.info

Page 30 NWM 2018

Where to stay

BRYN LLEWELYN

THE CROWN HOTEL

five on the outskirts of Pwllheli, within walking distance

The Crown Hotel is to be found in a central location in

to a beautiful sandy beach, coastal path and all the town’s

Pwllheli and has on-site parking. If you stay here you

amenities. It is available to rent from Abersoch Holiday Homes.

will have to make separate arrangements for an evening

www.walescottageholidays.co.uk

Bryn Llewelyn is a detached ‘cottage style’ property for

meal as the accommodation is bed and breakfast only.

However, rooms are good value for money and are modern and well appointed with WI-FI available in both the rooms and in the bar. The bar is large and cosy and the pub’s restaurant serves a good and varied menu for lunch time. www.walestouristonline.co.uk THE VICTORIA HOTEL The Victoria Hotel is well positioned for the shops and facilities of Pwllheli and is only a one minute walk away from the beach. The building is Victorian and the bar is comfortable and offers a good food menu with the pub having the highest ‘5’ rating from The Food Standards Agency. There are eight bedrooms consisting of family

THE OLD RECTORY BED AND BREAKFAST

rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms and double rooms. WI-FI

The Old Rectory Bed and Breakfast is to be found in a lovely

is available in the rooms which are comfortable and well

Georgian House surrounded by well-landscaped grounds.

laid out. The Victoria Hotel is popular with locals and is

The Old Rectory was awarded an AA 5 Star Rating in 2016

a lively venue.

and received the AA Breakfast Award in 2017. It also has a

www.victoriahotel-pwllheli.co.uk

Visit Wales Gold Award. There is a choice of staying in the house itself or catering for yourself in a cottage or a holiday

Y CASTELL PWLLHELI

lodge. The house has four lovely and very comfortable

The Castle Inn (Y Castell) has undergone a recent

bedrooms and guests can use a living room and dine in a

refurbishment and offers a good and varied range of

bright dining room with garden views.

rooms to suit all needs. However, you should note that

www.theoldrectory.net

only hostel style accommodation is offered and you can’t get an evening meal or breakfast. This should pose no

AWELFRYN

problems as The Castle Inn is located in a good central

Awelfryn is a spacious cottage that

position at the end of Pwllheli’s High Street and there

is available to rent with stunning sea

are plenty of places all around where you can get

views of Cardigan Bay. Just one mile to Pwllheli Marina,

something to eat. The Castle Inn does have a bar which

sandy beaches and many independent shops, cafes and

is cosy and friendly.

restaurants. Sleeps six

www.pwllheli.org.uk/castell.html

www.walescottageholidays.co.uk

an impressive sight and owners travel from great distances

of nearby Welsh towns and villages. And if you go back even

away to berth here and have the freedom to take their crafts

further the harbour and surrounding coastline was a haven

out onto the sparkling waters of Cardigan Bay. The Marina is

for pirates and smugglers!

designated a ‘European Centre of Excellence’ for sailing and is the venue for several national and international sailing and

Indeed, at one time, the sea was one of the major ways for

water sports events and is the home to both Pwllheli Sailing

many to reach the town but the arrival of the railway line

Club and The Welsh National Sailing Academy (Plas Heli).

allowed a more varied clientele to start visiting and moving into the area and Pwllheli started to develop and demonstrate

The harbour at Pwllheli has a long and varied history and

its potential as a business and tourist centre. Pwllheli

you only have to go back as little as just over a hundred years

Railway Station is the terminus for the modern day Cambrian

to realise it was one of the main fishing and ship building

Coast Railway which runs to Machynlleth and then on to

areas for North Wales, and often had as many as 30 ships

Shrewsbury and Birmingham. Until 1927 a tramway linked

under construction at any one time. The harbour was also

the town to nearby Llanbedrog.

a major docking point for ships carrying wine from the Continent which was destined for the shops and merchants

Today the local road network is excellent with the likes of

NWM 2018 Page 31

MAGAZINE

Eating and drinking PONTOON Mexican, Caribbean and Middle Eastern cuisine with a great view of the marina. Good food and a menu that changes regularly.

The A497 linking the town to Porthmadog and the A499 running to

www.pontoonpwllheli.com

Caernarfon with both roads giving fast travel to the region.

Pwllheli is a friendly town with lots of character and a pleasure to walk around. The narrow streets are atmospheric and the shops

THE VENUE

a good mixture of independent traders, traditional seaside shops

In a corner of Pwllheli’s Inner Harbour The Venue

such as ice cream outlets, souvenir shops and plenty of places to buy

has stunning views of the boats and yachts. There

buckets and spades - but alongside these you will find three modern

is open plan seating for around 50 people and the

supermarkets.

menu is large and varied. www.venueclub.com/restaurant

Although, as we have already said, Pwllheli grew around the ship building industry, it really began to develop in the 1890’s when Cardiff Businessman Solomon Andrews invested in houses at West

THE WITCHES BREW TEA ROOMS

End and began upgrading the promenade.

Set on Station square near the centre of Pwllheli The Witches Brew Tea Rooms offers a good and

As a place to live Pwllheli gives residents a mixture of the old and

varied café style menu and is central for the town

traditional and the more modern and up to date.

and beaches.

01758 614562

For many years tourists knew the town because of the large Butlins Holiday Camp which was located a few miles away at Pen-y-Chain.

TWNTI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

During the war it became a navel camp (HMS Glendower) but the

Nestling in the hills a few miles from Pwllheli,

holiday camp was re-established by Butlins after the war was over.

Twnti has a great reputation for fine seafood. Run

The camp is now run by The Haven Group and has been redeveloped

by the same people for over 26 years.

and re-named Hafan y Mor (Haven of the sea).

www.twntiseafood.co.uk Pwllheli has a population of around 4,000 people, with over 80% of these being Welsh speakers. The town hosted The National WHITEHALL

Eisteddfod in 1925 and 1955 and was the birthplace of The Welsh

A restaurant and bar in a splendid white building.

Poet Sir Albert Evans-Jones. And, for a final fact, did you know that

Good food from a varied menu and a comfortable

Plaid Cymru was founded in Pwllheli?

bar to relax in.

It’s an all year round destination but gets very busy in the main

www.whitehallpwllheli.co.uk

summer months when the discerning holiday makers and day trippers arrive – but I expect it wouldn’t surprise you to discover they come from not just England, but Wales too, would it? n

Steve Goodier is a freelance outdoor writer that specialises in North Wales. He is the author of ten outdoor books and his latest ‘Ten Best Pub Walks in Snowdonia’ will be published later this year, followed by ‘Ten Best Waterfall and Lake Walks in Snowdonia’ (www.northerneyebooks.co.uk).

He is married to Paula and has two grown up children.

Page 32 NWM 2018

NWM 2018 Page 33

Blwyddyn M0^r Year

Sea

This is our

y

Dewch i fwynhau amser teulu gyda ni yn yr awyr agored Digwyddiadau | Llwybrau natur

of the

Come & enjoy family time with us in the great outdoors Events | Nature trails

#FindYourEpic RSPB Conwy

RSPB South Stack

rspb.org.uk/conwy rspb.org.uk/southstack 01492 584091 01407 762100 LL31 9XZ LL65 1YH A5 attractions of snowdonia.pdf 1 20/02/2018 11:24

Underground Adventures Steam Railways Gardens & Parks

RSPB Lake Vyrnwy

rspb.org.uk/lakevyrnwy 01691 870278 SY10 0LZ

RSPB Ynys-hir

rspb.org.uk/ynys-hir 01654 700222 SY20 8TA

SNOWDONIA’S BEST ATTRACTIONS

PLAY, EXPLORE, DISCOVER

Heritage & Culture Museums & Galleries Family Fun

Page 34 NWM 2018

WWW.SNOWDONIA-ATTRACTIONS.COM

NWL-1720-17-18: Image: David Tipling (rspb-images.com). Mae’r RSPB yn elusen gofrestredig yn Lloegr a Chymru 207076, yn Yr Alban SC037654. The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654

Hon yw ein

Top

10

Easter Activities Keep the children well entertained this Easter holiday and you can reward yourself by “sharing” some of their chocolate...

Explore the wetlands Gypsy Wood Park is a magical day out for visitors of all ages, which all the family will love this Easter. There are loads of things to see and do at its outdoor park in the foothills of Snowdonia, and it’s a must-see attraction for all animal, nature, outdoor, train and fairy lovers. Make sure

2

that you bring your wellies to explore the wetlands, meet all the different animals who live there, find the fairies, make a wish, hop on Woody’s train and enjoy one of its fabulous adventure play areas. And, just for Easter, the fairies at Gypsy Wood have hidden some Easter bonnets! Come and see if you can find them on Sunday 1st April between 10.30am to 5.00pm – there are treats waiting for everyone! www.gypsywood.co.uk

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Take a ride up Snowdon

passengers will be able to reach Wales’ highest peak once

If you’re looking for something different to do this Easter

more as the service extends to the summit and the summit

then why not take a trip on the Snowdon Mountain

visitor centre Hafod Eryri reopens. The Heritage Steam

Railway, which is opening for its 122nd season this month!

Experience will also start running from May until the

With the winter snow clearing, trains are scheduled

end of September. With stunning scenery and awe-

to run again from 16th March, initially travelling to

inspiring views, a visit to the Snowdon Mountain Railway

Clogwyn station, which is three quarters up Snowdon.

is an unforgettable day out in North Wales, but be aware

The Traditional Diesel Service will be running from 9am

that advance bookings are advisable, especially during

daily, taking passengers to enjoy the spectacular views

school holidays.

from the open mountainside at Clogwyn. By early May

www.snowdonrailway.co.uk

NWM 2017 2018 Page 35

MAGAZINE

Hunt for eggs Let’s face it, Easter isn’t Easter without an Easter egg hunt! There are numerous organised hunts taking place over North Wales this bank holiday, but it’s just as much to do your own. For younger children it is

3

great fun to hide as many small eggs around the house and garden as possible, letting them fill up their little baskets until their hearts content. For older kids we prefer to design a more traditional treasure hunt, where they have to follow cryptic clues in order to get to the coveted prize of one giant egg at the end of the trail…

Take a trip to the theatre

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Freckle Productions is bringing Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales to Venue Cymru this Easter holiday. Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, four terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant In Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky moves, toe-tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed! Is Tiddler telling the truth? Will Monkey find his Mummy? Will George The Giant make lots of friends? Can the old lady really squash and squeeze all those animals in? Brought to you by the team behind Stick Man Live, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales is the perfect way to introduce younger children to the world of theatre on 26th & 27th March. venuecymru.co.uk

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Visit an adventure park Join GreenWood, North Wales’ leading family adventure park, for some Egg-cellent Easter Fun from 24th March – 15th April. Set in 27 magical acres; discover for yourself why it’s an award winning full day out. Make a splash on the UK’s only solar powered water ride, Jump aboard the world’s first people powered roller coaster or zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales! Children will love discovering the super bouncy and newly refurbished Giant Jumper, exploring the turrets of TreeTop Towers, taking their shoes and socks off for the BareFoot Trail or aiming for gold at archery.

In the Forest Theatre, you’ll find extraordinary entertainment this Easter holiday, including Erwyd the Jester, Smarty Marty the Clown and Harley’s Showtime – they just can’t wait to make you laugh. www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk

Page 36 NWM 2017 2018

Ride a rollercoaster

6

Zip World Fforest in Betws y Coed is an idyllic woodland setting for all your Easter adventures. Kids aged three and above can enjoy a variety of adventures including the Fforest Coaster, the only alpine adventure of its kind in the UK, or Treetop Nets, a net playground where you can bounce and slide at your heart’s content. Tree Hoppers is an amazing zip line and adventure course for ages five to 12. Older children can experience the thrill of Skyride, the highest swing in Europe and Zip Safari, a zip line and obstacle course set up high in the canopy of the trees. After a fun day out with the family, sit back and relax at the Fforest Caffi or Fforest Coffi with a homemade cake, fresh roasted coffee or a range of yummy lunch options. www.zipworld.co.uk

Hit the waves Surf Snowdonia’s first waves of the season start rolling on Saturday 24th March and with dedicated zones for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers, there’s plenty of room for everyone to get on board over the Easter break. Surfers can hit the waves under their own steam (from £20 per hour) or via a lesson with the Surf Snowdonia Academy (from £35 per 90 minutes). Hire a warm, winter-weight wetsuit for £5 for the day or bring your own. Beginner and intermediate board hire is included in the cost of your session. The kiddies soft play café and the surf-side diner and retail will be open throughout the Easter Holidays, with the Crash & Splash activity lagoon and catapult blob open at weekends. If you fancy making a night of it Surf Snowdonia’s cosy glamping pods sleep four for £100 per night. www.surfsnowdonia.com

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MAGAZINE

Explore a castle

The choice of castle’s to visit in North Wales is phenomenal – and the majority of them have activities on over the Easter break. Cadw is hosting dragon’s egg quest trails at Caernarfon Castle on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April. Starting at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm, come and join the castle guards and maids on a quest to discover the dragon’s lair. Learn how to use a bow and arrow and explore the deepest, darkest passageways of the castle to track down the dragon and claim your Easter egg prize. The question is, are you brave enough? http://cadw.gov.wales

8 Discover science

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Who says that the holidays can’t be educational? Techniquest Glyndŵr Science Discovery Centre is designed to engage people of all ages in science through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. As well as hands-on exhibits, a unique programme of special events is presented throughout the year. This Easter holidays Techniquest Glyndŵr will be open seven days a week with the ‘Operation Earth’ live science show for families on every day. Operation Earth is an exciting new family show exploring the amazing stories and science of the environment suitable for families with children aged six to 11. As well as the live science show you will be able to experience over 65 hands-on interactive exhibits spread over 5 zones which will engage and interest visitors, whatever their age. www.tqg.org.uk

Decorate a tree

There are numerous arts and crafts that you can do with the kids over Easter, but decorating an Easter tree is the one that ticks all the boxes. Get out and about in the woods to collect some twigs, and then set about decorating them with pastel coloured ribbons and, of course, eggs. Most of the supermarkets sell papier maché eggs ready for the children to paint, but you could always use a blown or a hard-boiled egg too. Surround the tree with daffodils and you’ll soon have an Easter centrepiece to be proud of…

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10

Voted Best Family Attraction

egg-cellent

Easter fun!

Meet the Easter bunny

Daily shows in the Forest Theatre

Easter crafts FREE Easter egg hunt

GreenWood, Y Felinheli, Gwynedd. Use sat nav LL55 3AD

Cyw

takeover day!

(2nd April)

24th March - 15th April Open daily 10am-5.30pm

Book online & save at greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk

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seven The

Wonders of Wales Stephen Gregory and his gull-friend take a bird’s eye look at the Seven Wonders of Wales…

I love gulls. I’ve marvelled at them since I was a little boy at school in Colwyn Bay. Me and my friends, we used to throw bread for them as we hurried along the prom on a bleak, blustery Sunday afternoon, after our beans ‘n’ chips in Rhos Point café.

I was a bird-watching boffin even then, and I’d learned the Latin names as well. My favourite gull? No, not the big bullying black-back - that’s ‘larus marinus’, literally the ‘sea gull’. Not the chip-guzzling herring gull – that’s ‘larus argentatus’, the ‘silvery gull’. But the black-headed gull.

That’s ’larus ridibundus’… the ‘laughing gull’.

That’s the reason I learned to like her so much. The blackheaded gull, with her infectious laughter! Laughing at us, laughing at me, laughing at people, for being so ridiculous!

She was watching me one afternoon in July, a few years ago, and she was laughing. And yes, I was feeling a bit ridiculous.

I’d walked through a rainstorm to see the Pistyll Rhaeadr in full spate. The landlord of the pub I’d stayed in the previous night, in the nearby village of Llanrhaeadr yn Mochnant, had tried to cheer me up as I’d set off walking by assuring me that the waterfall was best seen during or immediately after a period of torrential rain … and so beautiful that it was known as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. When I reached the waterfall, yes, it was a thrilling sight … a cascade of white water, falling 240 feet to make it the highest in England and Wales. And I was alone, not another intrepid hiker had ventured out on that drenching day.

Not quite alone. Circling around my head, somewhere in the cloud of spray, there was a gull. Laughing at me. I saw her

Mount Snowdon

NWM 2018 Page 41

MAGAZINE

Pistyll Rhaeadr

St Winefide’s Well

The same weekend, I conquered the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in all of Wales and England. Snowdon is indisputably one of the Seven Wonders… and I was a mighty conqueror, clawing my way up the final steep and rubbly yards to stand at the very peak. At 3,560 feet above the sea, as I stood aloft and caught my breath, I should have been able to enjoy a view across the surrounding peaks of Snowdonia, across lakes and forests as far as the sea, and Steeple of St Giles’ Church, Wrexham

even as far as parts of England and Ireland. But no. Although it was mid-summer, there was a grey swirling drizzling mist.

You’ve guessed it, there was a murmur of mocking laughter

and heard her and I felt the buffeting of her wings. ‘Larus

as my scornful gull swooped around my head. For her, it was

ridibundus’…

a swift and easy ascent. For me, it had been fruitless, as far as the views were concerned. But enjoyable and absolutely

The following day, nursing a cold, I found myself in

worthwhile, my ascent of mighty Snowdon… by means of the

Wrexham. I was looking for a famous landmark. I followed

rack-and-pinion railway – built in 1896, Sir Richard Moon’s

a sign and strolled into the cemetery of St Giles Church.

masterpiece of Victorian engineering.

There I paused for a rest, blowing my reddened nose into my handkerchief, and I appraised the church’s magnificent

No, of course I hadn’t hiked all the way to the top. That would

tower. In the graveyard I happened on the tomb of Elihu Yale,

indeed have been a ridiculous thing to have done, when the

the main benefactor of the prestigious Yale University in the

Snowdon mountain railway can take you up there.

USA. An impressive tower, and an impressive resident of the cemetery. A warden in his black gown came out of the

An even easier stroll, the next day, when I went to marvel

church and I quickly asked him if he could help me to find

at another of the Seven Wonders of Wales, the ancient yew

what I was looking for… the famous Wrexham steeple. He

trees in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church at Overton-on-

laughed. And I heard another familiar cackle of laughter in

Dee. They are magnificent, and oddly sobering. Most of them

the skies above the tower. Wrexham steeple? Well, here it is,

are 500 years old, and one or two were saplings more than a

the warden said, it’s the tower of St Giles church… no, clearly

thousand years ago. Even the youngest tree in the churchyard

not a steeple at all, but famous as one of the so-called Seven

has a special pedigree, planted in 1992 by Her Majesty

Wonders of Wales. He went on to tell me that the tower had

Queen Elizabeth II. These venerable trees have seen a few

been built in 1506 and was 147 feet tall. Don’t worry, he said

curious admirers, like me, over the centuries. They’ve felt the

and he patted me sympathetically on the shoulder, I wasn’t

crackling of a wintry frost and then the balm of a summer’s

the first tourist to visit the tower and ask him for the

breeze, over many many years. My gull was there, of course,

steeple. We both looked up and smiled, as my gull-friend

as I wandered among the yews. But she wasn’t laughing.

chuckled overhead.

Something in the permanence and endurance of the trees,

Page 42 NWM 2018

Yew trees at St Mary the Virgin, Overton-on-Dee

Llangollen Bridge

Gresford Bells

almost an eternity, called for a respectful silence.

river and hurtled towards me – as though she knew I was coming and she was waiting for me – that it was the first

And there’s a sad and salutory tale to be told at the holy well

stone bridge to have been built across the Dee, back in 1347,

of St Winefride, along the coast at Holywell. Nothing at all to

for John Trevor, the Bishop of St Asaph… but she swerved

laugh about. I went there on a sunny summer’s afternoon,

away and took an inordinate delight in swooping under and

and the sky was whirling with gulls. Most of them were the

through each of the arches, one after the other. Lovely, the

ubiquitous herring gulls, rude and wild… yes, wild, as though

bridge and the gull. This time there was no mockery in her

they were children of the sea itself, offspring of the waves

laughter. She was laughing with joy.

which had been blown inshore. But my black-headed gull was there as well. I hushed her and she fell silent, as I read

And lastly? I went dutifully to All Saints Church at Gresford,

the awful story of a young girl, Winefride, who, on this very

famous for the purity and sweetness of its bells. To tell the

spot, had stubbornly resisted the amorous advances of a boy

truth, I’ve never liked church bells, although some people

called Caradog… so stubbornly that at last the boy had killed

find them evocative and uplifting. I remember that the church

her by slicing off her head. The legend has it that, as her head

bells would ring on a Sunday morning when I was a little

hit the ground, a spring of fresh, clear water appeared. And

boy at a boarding-school in Colwyn Bay and make me yearn

when her father, St Beuno, came and placed his daughter’s

so hard to be home that my heart would ache. Even more

head beside her body, she came back to life. I stood at the well

so, even more aching, when they rang so mournfully on a

and I knelt to cup my hands into the water. Some people call

Sunday evening and I could hear them in the wintry darkness

it the Lourdes of Wales and they visit in order to be cured of

outside, as I went upstairs to my chilly, bare, boarding-school

their ailments. Beside the well there remain, to this day, some

dormitory. But then the cries of the gulls were a comfort. Me

of the crutches left behind by pilgrims in the 19th and 20th

and my black-headed gull, we laughed together, with a little

Centuries, grateful that their limbs have been healed.

bit of mockery, with a bit of defiance, and in the spirit of companionship. The peal of bells? I prefer peals of laughter.

And so to the last two of the so-called Seven Wonders of Wales. With my hilarious and often irreverent companion, I’ve

‘The Seven Wonders of Wales’? An oddly miscellaneous

been taking a look at them all. There’s an old nursery rhyme,

choice, whoever the Anon might have been who penned the

a bit of anonymously composed doggerel, which proclaims the

rhyme. Best seen in the company of a small miracle… I mean

seven wonders…

my laughing gull, a bundle of feathers and beak and bones so quick with life and so busy with living… wondrously and

‘Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple,

hilariously alive. n

Snowdon’s mountain, without the people, Overton yew trees, St Winefride’s well, Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells…’

The bridge at Llangollen is extraordinarily picturesque. The arches are different sizes in order to fit onto the rocks in the river, and this quaintly gentle asymmetry has a special loveliness. I was going to tell her, my gull, as she skimmed the

Stephen Gregory’s seventh novel, PLAGUE OF GULLS, which is set entirely within and around the medieval castle and town walls of Caernarfon, comes out this month. Check it out and order your copy by googling PS Publishing / Stephen Gregory, or email the author directly on stephengregory1@hotmail.com

NWM 2018 Page 43

MAGAZINE

Page 44 NWM 2018

Model

behaviour

Llandudno’s Chloe Keenan won Britain’s Next Top Model in 2016. And, as Kate Hamilton discovers, nobody was more surprised than Chloe herself.

Many people experience a change in career over their

“I really enjoyed my course, and thought that I would be

lifetime, but not many see the change before they have

looking for a career that related to it,” explains Chloe. “Then,

already landed their first job.

towards the end of my degree, I decided to enter Britain’s Next Top Model on a complete whim without really thinking

“I born and bred in Llandudno,” says Chloe, who attended

too much about it – I had never done any modelling before, so

Ysgol John Bright. “I wanted to go into music and theatre,

I was amazed when I got shortlisted.”

I always loved performing and was a member of the Llandudno Youth Music Theatre group as well as the Linzi

Chloe made the shortlist of 15 out of thousands of applicants,

Grace School of Dance.”

and had to swiftly pack up and move to London to start filming for the show.

And it was this performing background that led 18-year-old Chloe to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to study for a

“I got whisked away to a top secret location – I didn’t have a

degree in Opera.

clue where I was going and so I couldn’t tell my family and

NWM 2018 Page 45

MAGAZINE

friends,” she says. “Each week a contestant got eliminated and obviously you didn’t know when that would be you – so I thought I’d be back home in a week or two.”

At no point did Chloe expect to outlast the other 11 contestants.

where Chloe had to keep quiet for a few weeks…

“They take away your phone and your money, so you can’t

“There was a couple of months between the end of filming and

have any access to the outside world,” she adds. “They

the show being aired. I had to tell people that I had just been

don’t even allow you to take a book! The show is filming 24

away doing some work – I wasn’t allow to reveal who had

hours a day, seven days a week, and so they want you to

won the show. I did tell my flatmate and my boyfriend – but

interact with the other contestants as much as possible.

everyone else had to watch the programme.”

“Everyone was so diverse, and they all had modelling

Once Britain’s Next Top Model hit the screens, Chloe started

experience – so I felt like a complete fish out of water!”

to get lots of messages each week.

says Chloe. “Luckily I’m quite laid back so I got on with everyone, even though there were some strong

“People seemed to think that it was being filmed live, so I kept

personalities on the show.”

getting messages of congratulations each time I got through an episode!”

The majority of filming took place in London, but Chloe also went to a shoot in Croatia – and the final was filmed in

But it was when the final was actually aired on TV that things

Jamaica.

really began to change for Chloe.

“The final involved a bridal shoot on a white sandy beach

“As the winner of Britain’s Next Top Model 2016 I won a

and a catwalk show. I loved it – and was absolutely amazed

contract with Models 1 for Sleek Makeup and Head and

when I won! I called my mum back in Llandudno straight

Shoulders – as well as a holiday to Barbados. I took my

away, even though it was 3am in Wales! Amazingly she

boyfriend on holiday – it was the best part of the whole thing!

picked up the phone straight away – apparently she had a

We had an amazing time.”

feeling that I was going to call.”

But how are things looking for Chloe today – two years after So after the big wrap party it was back to Birmingham –

Page 46 NWM 2018

the experience?

“I’d love to do a lot more work with iconic Welsh brands.

Clogau’s jewellery is beautiful.

If I ever get married then I’ll be having a Clogau ring!”

“While the show gave me a great head start, I do still need to go to castings,” she says. “I always wanted to do acting and singing in theatre’s, and now I want to combine that with a modelling career. I also really enjoy screen work due to my experience with the camera that I received on BNTM. I have an agent and we work together regarding which parts would be best for me to pursue. 2018 is looking exciting!”

Exciting indeed, as Chloe is now an active member of the National Youth Theatre and works as an actress across London. She has recently played the role of Cinderella in a prestigious immersive theatre event in London’s West End. jewellery is beautiful. If I ever get married then I’ll be having But what about North Wales? Does she miss home?

a Clogau ring!”

“I come back as often as I can,” explains Chloe. “I love it up

So it seems that Chloe certainly isn’t short of opportunities,

here. I came up at Christmas to visit my family and I’ll be back

thanks to a combination of hard work and good fortune. And,

up again for Mothers Day later this month.

what’s even nicer, is that she hasn’t forgotten her North Walian roots.

“I also like to work up here if I can. I recently did a job with Natalie Pritchard who wrote A Dog Lover’s Dream and

“I love coming back up to Llandudno simply because everyone

Clogau Gold – I love working with Welsh companies – I’d love

has been so supportive. I’ve been on an incredible journey and

to do a lot more work with iconic Welsh brands. Clogau’s

I can’t wait to see what the future holds!” n

NWM 2018 Page 47

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NWM 2018 Page 49

THE

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Our popular restaurant in the heart of North Wales serves fantastic food which is all cooked in house. Freshly cooked and genuine Turkish, Greek, Italian and Spanish food with a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood.

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Open 7 days a week 129 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2PE 01492 871813 www.jdoughspizzas.co.uk Page 50 NWM 2018

Bacon

Bringing home the

In order to create truly great produce, you need to fully understand the process says Millie Diamond.

I’ve always had a real love of food that has been instilled

who gorged on these sumptuous spoils.

from a young age. Standing on a chair at the kitchen table, enthusiastically bashing basil, garlic, pine nuts and salt

Although we try hard every year to make the most of all

together in a pestle and mortar to make a pesto is one of

the apples and pears, preserving and pickling, baking

my earliest food memories. Soon after university I moved

and pureeing, we’ve often ended up with a large amount

to London and was suddenly surrounded by one of the

of rotten, spoiled fruit that goes to waste. What better

most exciting food scenes in the world… but the Welsh

use of this little space than to get some pigs and let them

countryside quickly drew me back in. After six years

feast like kings – or in our case queens! We are lucky

working in the city, I longed for green open spaces, and

to be surrounded by oak trees here too, and pigs are

an escape back to the beautiful scenery of North Wales

particularly fond of acorns. Many an hour was spent

where I had grown up. I also longed to work on something

scooting down the lanes with a wheelbarrow and raking

that felt, to me, more meaningful.

up acorns from ditches and fields. A free source of food for our animals – that would soon be providing nourishment

We have a small orchard beyond the garden, which is

to us.

dotted with gnarled little fruit trees, all producing an abundant haul year after year. I often wonder who they

As a family we’ve always eaten meat and pork is certainly

may have fed before, since our house dates back to 1570.

a favourite. Bacon sandwiches, sausage and mash with

Who else has walked across this little stretch of land and

unctuous gravy, even on Christmas Day we eschew turkey

reached up to pluck a sweet juicy pear from the branches

and opt for porchetta – traditionally an Italian dish of

of these trees. Perhaps there were other pigs before ours

deboned pork (often a whole small pig in Italy) smothered

NWM 2018 Page 51

MAGAZINE

For me one of the biggest factors was ensuring that our pigs had not just a happy life, but also a stress-free death

in a fennel, lemon, chilli and garlic rub. In London particularly, it amazed me how many meat-centric restaurants seemed to be popping up, offering huge platters of meat, burgers and chicken presented in every conceivable form.

Eating all this food in the centre of a bustling city it’s easy to feel disconnected and removed from food production and nature, but with every food choice we make, regardless of where or how we live we are having a direct impact and influence on the countryside. How often do we consider where our food has been produced? How many of us stop to think about the animal we are consuming, or the life it has lived. When we tuck into our delicious bacon sandwich, dripping with fat and dunked in ketchup, do we really associate it with that friendly little piggy? Do we even want to?

It’s this disconnect that I wanted to address. Having never farmed, I wanted to experience the full process. So we set out on our big piggy journey and found ourselves with three delightful little piglets scooting around the orchard.

I was determined that our pigs would be as happy as possible – living outdoors with bountiful fresh food. We contacted a local veg box supplier who, week after week, happily gave us all their ‘waste’ veggies that they were unable to sell. In the orchard they were able to roam around outside with plenty of room for rooting, and we gave them as much social interaction as we could provide. I wanted to document this journey while showing what high animal welfare could really look like. For me, using positive imagery and showing the learning curve and emotional rollercoaster of a journey

Page 52 NWM 2018

has been a powerful tool in changing attitudes, habits and

direction as first timers. Farming culture and farmers have

behaviours when it comes to food consumption.

taken a real knock in recent years, particularly dairy, but here in North Wales the sense of farming community here

For me one of the biggest factors was ensuring that our

is still incredibly strong.

pigs had not just a happy life, but also a stress-free death.

After asking around for recommendations there was one

As much as the help was forthcoming and we received

place that was recommended by everyone. I was amazed to

genuine support, our local farmers had quite a titter at our

discover that there are only 21 abattoirs in Wales and was so

expense when we first embarked on our piggy journey

pleased to discover a family-run, small-scale operation just

– possibly wondering whether we would really have the

down the road. D & J Thomas & Sons in Rhosllanerchrugog

guts to go through with it, or if we had any idea of what

has been a traditional butchers in the village for over three

we had let ourselves in for. They were desperate to see

generations and an important factor for them in maintaining

us tearing across one of the fields in hot pursuit of an

an extremely high standard of meat quality was acquiring an

escapee pig – they even admitted to all being primed to

abattoir in 1953. Due to the costs involved in keeping up with

get photographic evidence if it did happen. Thankfully,

regulation changes, many smaller places have been forced out

aside from a minor break-in of the chicken enclosure we

of business over the years. Now David Thomas has farmers

had no other fencing traumas.

coming from further and further afield because places like theirs are few and far between. Without this intimate,

We are now reaping the rewards of this process and

respectful and personal approach that David Thomas’ abattoir

enjoying some of the most wonderful pork products I have

has, the same high quality of our meat would never have

ever eaten. Heartbreaking as it was to get to know these

been possible. The killing of the animal is possibly one of

wonderful animals and then take them to their end, if I’m

the most important factors; a stressed pig can often result in

going to eat meat then this is how I would choose to do it

substandard meat.

every single time. Eating meat is deeply embedded in our culture, so much so that often we don’t stop to think how

When the day came, we fed them in the trailer just as we had

it has ended up on our plate. I set out on this journey to

been doing every day in the week leading up to this point.

educate myself and gain a deeper understanding of these

We wanted them to be acclimatised to the space and familiar

processes, in the hope that just maybe, I might help others

enough with trotting up the ramp that it would be a relaxed

to stop and think once in a while. It’s certainly been a life-

affair. I also gave them a good few litres of organic cider – a

changing experience for me and I will be forever grateful to

firm favourite – and we set off on our route, which we had

the three little pigs who made it all possible. n

also practiced a couple of times to ensure we were comfortable with the journey. Our arrival at the abattoir was calm and the pigs were so happy and relaxed in the trailer that it took slightly longer to get them out again.

Without the support of many of the local farmers living around us, we would have been somewhat lost. They provided us with a great deal of know-how to steer us in the right

Millie Diamond is a freelance food writer with a focus on sustainability and farming.

She works to promote sustainable living and informed food choices while exploring ethical issues of animal welfare and meat production. You can follow her journey at www.piglet2plate.com

NWM 2018 Page 53

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TASTE THE DIFFERENCE What do you get if you pair an exclusive venue with the first female victor of MasterChef: The Professionals? Nick Embrey went to Llanrhaeadr Springs to find out…

The way we consume our diet of tele-visual stimulation

part of ‘Springs’

has changed a lot in recent years, none more so than with

connection to the

the arrival of the box set. Where once, patient viewers

small screen, for

might have waited weeks for a climax to their favourite

in what Harry

show, now a whole ten episodes can be plundered

describes as a

greedily in a single sitting. Given this ‘must have now’

stroke of “pure

culture I, for one, find it incredibly refreshing to learn of

luck,” a chance

a business local to North Wales doing things the old way,

meeting with a

the patient and disciplined way.

mutual friend of Claire Lara has resulted in her taking charge of the monthly dining club.

Once a month, the dedicated team behind Llanrhaeadr Springs – an exclusive Spa and Wedding venue in

Blasting onto the scene via the BBC’s MasterChef: The

Denbighshire – offer eager customers a fine dining club

Professionals, Claire became the show’s first female victor

called ‘Tasters.’ Its owner, Harry Barker, has a clear and

in 2010. Building on that huge accolade, Claire became

passionate vision for the club, declaring that his mission

Head Chef at the Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr, Anglesey.

is to offer patrons “fine dining without the stuffiness.”

Originally from nearby Birkenhead, her passion for food

But my tenuous links to the box set generation are only

started when she signed up to a Youth Training Scheme

NWM 2018 Page 55

MAGAZINE

following school. As if performing your culinary wizardry

After hearing these words spill out effusively from Harry’s

to a captive TV audience isn’t pressure enough, Claire has

mouth and others besides, it is easy to imagine the quality of

also found time along the way to prepare food for the Queen.

food, but then ‘Tasters’ aims to be much. Visitors will also be

The good news for her discerning North Walian customers

escorted after the meal to a separate lounge area for a brace of

is that she intends to try some of these dishes out once

coffee and petit fours.’ Nicely sated though your appetite will

more. From 2018, Claire has been on hand at Llanrhaeadr

surely be, an evening at ‘Springs’ still has one last surprise

Springs, helping Harry fulfil his vision for the monthly

up its sleeve in the form of entertainment, the most recent

dining club. Keeping that ideal of unstuffy fine dining close

offering being a live three piece band. It certainly seems that,

to their hearts, the ‘Tasters’ experience promises to be one

with Claire’s expert guidance in the Kitchen and Harry’s

that’s well worth the four-weekly wait.

vision, Llanrhaeadr Springs dining club evenings will be anything but the “morgue” type affair that is its antithesis –

Those wily foodies able to secure a booking can expect,

and Harry’s nemesis.

in the words of one previous attendee, to feel “special” from the moment of arrival thanks to a “friendly and polite

Of the food itself, the menu on these occasions is, as you might

staff.” Eager to get stuck in, guests will be treated to a “five

expect, down to the chef’s choice and therefore not something

or seven course experience of chefs choice,” including

I can too easily predict. January’s diners however were treated

wine pairings and an on-site sommelier who will “interact

to such delicacies as confit duck pastilla canapés, salt cod

with the tables and explain the wines.” Again, previous

brandade starters, a main dish of roasted pigeon breast, pre

restaurant goers described the presence of such an

deserts and, to end proceedings, a desert of white chocolate

expert as being “a great touch, highly entertaining and

mousse with rhubarb, raspberry and thyme jelly. Those still

one that got the diners chatting about the wines and

needing further enlightenment could do worse than search

comparing their preferences.”

out a few re-runs of MasterChef 2010 if they want to know

Page 56 NWM 2018

more about Claire’s style and what to expect. What I can say

is already booming, interest in the evenings growing and

with certainty is the quality of ingredients used by Claire will

bookings being taken for June this year, not to mention the

be second to none and, wherever possible, sourced with food

planning of a reserve list for eager would be attendees. With

miles in mind.

covers kept to a deliberately intimate 50, it’s hard to see this trend waning either in the months that lie ahead. In addition

Whether eating at a ‘Tasters’ evening or elsewhere on-site,

to that all-important yardstick, he and Claire are keen to build

visitors can expect to sample meat from local suppliers J

on the awards and recognition the business already has. Back

Williams as well as eggs from a nearby farmer, with many

to back Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence from 2016 and

other products sourced from Woodwards, a food supply

17 are reason enough to be cheerful, but looking to the future,

service situated in Bodelwyddan. Placed in the hands of

Harry expects them to be joined by a few AA rosettes too.

someone of Claire’s precocious talents, it’s not hard to see how such ingredients have helped to make ‘Tasters’ become what

‘Tasters’ events are held on the last weekend of each month

one local food critic described as “excellent value for money,

and cost £75 per head. Of course, there are other reasons

atmosphere, unique menu, venue and staff” and somewhere

to venture into Llanrhaeadr Springs if you simply cannot

“you would be hard pushed to beat.”

wait for the monthly dining club. Other packages coming up this year include a ‘wine and cheese evening with Corks

And while the focus of this piece has rightly fallen on the

Out Chester,’ a Mothering Sunday special in March and a

arrival of Claire to the Head Chef seat and the eagerly

Comedy Night on 12th April. Visit the spa too, sample one

anticipated impact it will have on ‘Tasters’ as a concept there

of the popular afternoon teas, dine on the Bistro’s lunchtime

is, of course, much more to ‘Springs’ as a growing business.

menu or, if all this doesn’t seem like a sufficiently immersive

A builder by trade, Harry bought the place three years

experience, hire the venue for your wedding day. However

ago with a clear understanding of where he would take it

you opt to sample the delights of this warm and friendly

as a business concept. Taking a year to overhaul the main

venue nestled in the North Wales Clwydian Range, you won’t

buildings, his next move was to put in a range of elegant

be disappointed. That said, if you can look beyond the box set

“boutique shepherd huts” built and designed by himself. After

mentality and show a little patience, grab the phone and get

that came a luxury spa, offering up to eight users at a time

yourself booked in for a ‘Tasters’ evening this Spring. It’ll be

that “small and exclusive feel.” Food inevitably followed, with

well worth the wait. n

the opening of a Bistro/Tea Room, expertly run by Chef Dave Edwards and open seven days a week during daytime hours.

Claire’s arrival at the helm of ‘Tasters’ seems a fitting finale to the journey. But of course, things will not end there. There is still plenty to be done.

For starters, the vision of a fine dining experience without

Nick Embrey is a teacher from the borders who recently started blogging about the antics of his crazy brown Labrador called Dudley. You can follow them at www.stareofthedog.co.uk

the stuffy feel won’t just be measured in footfall. Business

NWM 2018 Page 57

MAGAZINE

Page 58 NWM 2018

Food for thought

The coming of spring is like the sight of

memberships to the gym I use this January…

the dawn sun peeping up over the crest

and are still using it. In the old days those

of Snowdonia, after a cold, dark night that

pass-cards usually went in the bin before

seemingly went on forever. I’d witness

the Christmas decorations came down.

that magical image sometimes on the exceptionally rare mornings when I had to

Moreover, this festival of abstinence is

be up super-early to catch a train, and it

given another boost by Lent. Having

always gave me a sense of life beginning

only just gorged yourselves on pancakes

anew. At last, there is light and with it, a

slathered in maple syrup, you’re back in

little much-needed mildness.

Temperance Town until Easter Weekend.

This once felt like a hellish prospect but

Suddenly, there are snowdrops everywhere,

somehow, now I’m getting older it feels like

and with them a feeling of renewed hope.

a welcome breather and a chance to shift a

Suddenly, out pop those daffodils that you

bit more yuletide heft.

planted last year but completely forgot about. Suddenly there are Cadbury’s Creme

Famously, my resolve has all the

Eggs in the shops – sorry, what am I talking

permanence of a Disprin tablet in a

about; these days they show up the day

whirlpool, so before long I’ll be back craving

after Boxing Day.

some of the marvellously rich, pleasure-

Cai Ross is co-owner and

heavy food that north Wales has to offer.

Maitre d’ of the award-

After the stark, solemn, parsimonious

winning Paysanne Bistro

months of January and February, March

Easter is the first big family festival of the

in Deganwy, which has

often feels like a starting pistol allowing us

year and if you’ve ever deserved a blow-out,

been serving French

to begin to enjoy ourselves again for the first

it’s this year. Lamb is the natural choice,

country-style food to the

time all year. However, maybe we’re dialling

and if there is one thing north Wales does

fine people of North Wales

it all back a bit these days?

brilliantly, it’s lamb – though the revered

since 1988. He also writes

salt marsh lamb won’t be ready until later in

for Calibre Magazine, BBC

I got the sense that more people than ever

the year. Then again, there are other options

Good Food, HeyUGuys.

took the whole Dry January thing extra

for your family table on Easter Sunday,

com and The North Wales

seriously this time and not just the booze-

and here’s a super-easy roast and an

Weekly News

free aspect either. I could be wrong but

equally simple dessert that will reward you

there are dozens of people who bought

handsomely for all that self-denial. n

NWM 2018 Page 59

MAGAZINE

Recipes

LAFOUTIS CHERRY C

E N THE BLOICN O IN O L K OR GAR ROAST P L, SAGE & E N N E F H WIT Serves 4 one Ingredients ill on the b pork loin, st sh el W ib -r 14 s fennel seed 1 teaspoon garlic 2 cloves of sage leaves of l fu Hand Salt ved led and hal 1 Onion, pee ved al h d led an 1 Carrot, pee elery 1 Stick of C e garlic, Chop up th f the al h slice up and es av sage le gether to l al it h bas nnel in with the fe ortar. m & a pestle knife, p ar sh With a ice the carefully sl from meat away t don’t u b the bone em th e separat . Spread completely ix the garlic m meat e th between then e, on b e and th k and tie put it all bac ng. er with stri it all togeth ng it down ry by patti d ly te le er it p com n of salt ov the skin is f a teaspoo al h p b to Make sure ru on hen ting dish en towel. T n in a roas a ow e d with kitch ak e d m si to use that pork bonery (you can all. Put the le ce d ). an sting n, carrot e meat is re of the onio ter while th la y v ra g s 0 mins, deliciou 00˚C for 2 e pork at 2 th t for as s ro st , re sure it ted fan oven 50g). Make ’re (4 u In a prehea d n yo ou re p su inutes per and make , g in it rv e se then 20 m ore ng. I serv minutes bef the crackli on dish, s e d m at least 20 an sa h get their ties in the to as e ro on d t an rs the fi greens by steamed leaves. surrounded ning sage ai m re e th h it w sprinkled

Serves 4-6 ries, stoned 450g cher flour 30g plain 60g sugar k 340 ml mil ks s 2 egg yol lu p 4 eggs ac n og C ns 4 tablespoo ar g su g in Ic Salt

in the cherries °C. Spread r 0 ou 19 fl e to th en ft e ov across), si m Preheat th 7c (2 h stir in baking dis of salt and a buttered with a pinch a time, l at ow o b tw er s, h into anot in the egg t ea b ng ly ti al Gradu tinue bea the sugar. ilk, and con m the e n th ai h tr it S w yolks. alternating beat in the n en oo th , sp ed d ix an until just m e cherries th e of p ti to s or un l th ture on batter mix r 45 minute fo l il e w ak it B . s, p ol on to en it co the cognac brown. Wh g d in an ic e ed th ff u h p le wit clafoutis is t to sprink la ice y so it’s bes tl h oop of vanil ig sc sl a k h n it si w m ar w serve it sugar and it. ’ve earned ou Y . cream

Don’t fancy cooking?

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Raise your glass Personally sourcing great tasting wines

Malbec ‘March’es on!

‘The Grape to Glass’ wine calendar for March is focussing

Porteno Malbec 2017. Mendoza, Argentina

on the great grape varietal, Malbec – a deep purple grape variety that tends to have an inky dark colour, displays

Mont-Rocher Malbec 2016. Pays d’Oc,

rich fruit, and finishes with robust tannins.

France

Malbec is famously known as one of the ‘six grapes’

Nostros Malbec Reserva 2016. Chile

permitted in the blend of red Bordeaux wines, but the main French plantations are now found primarily in Cahors (South West France) and celebrated as an Argentine ‘king’

K-Nom. Clos Troteligotte 2016. Cahors,

varietal, but it is being grown all around the world.

France

I have come across examples from Washington, Australia,

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2015. Uco Valley –

New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil and even India (Sula

Argentina

Vineyards).

The Malbec grape is thin-skinned and needs more sun

and heat than other hardy varietals like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Susceptible to frost, it ripens mid-season so threat

Tgtg TOP PICK

of ruin can come easily, as it can for most grapes, so warmer

Punta De Flechas Malbec 2014. Rothschild.

climates host most of the worlds production (mainly Chile and

Argentina

Argentina).

Masi Corbec. Malbec/Corvina 2012. Uco Argentina produces a unique quality and style, and since it

Valley, Argentina

was first planted, it quickly arose to greater prominence, today the most widely planted red grape variety in the country.

Fine Wine Malbec isn’t that expensive in the

It creates a rather inky, rich, juicy and intense wine commonly

market now – it’s possible to buy a

used in blends (some noted below), but if you can, go for a

superb example for around £10.

100% varietal and seek out this amazing grapes quality.

The K-Nom Clos Troteligotte from Cahors is one of the finest example

Here’s a few examples that we have discovered, waiting for

from Southern France I’ve had in a

your taste buds to be delighted.

long while. It’s a beautifully fruity and robust wine. The Punta De Flechas made by the world renowned Family Rothschild, is full of concentrated fruit flavours and smooth tannins, an absolute Gem.

Tim Watson runs The Grape to Glass

Pop in store to see many more styles of Malbec, but be quick…

Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Rhos-on-Sea which, as well

Iechyd da!

as offering wine from far reaching lands, also stocks locally produced beers, wines

Tim

and spirits

NWM 2018 Page 63

MAGAZINE

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info@conwyvalleywindows.co.uk www.conwyvalleywindows.co.uk NWM 2018 Page 65

MAGAZINE

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everything considered.

HOMES & INTERIORS INSIDE bedrooms property roundup interiors

NWM 2018 Page 67

On the double

Hinton Interiors recommends installing wardrobes with backs

A modern bedroom has a dual purpose – to be as practical as possible while looking like a relaxing haven. Kate Hamilton reports.

Fully fitted bedroom furniture from Conels is designed and made to fit a required space from floor to ceiling

NWM 2018 Page 69

MAGAZINE

Conels offers an over bed storage arrangement

Bedrooms today have to fit a tight criteria – providing ample storage without looking like the work horse room that they actually are. The word ‘sanctuary’ is often thrown around when referring to the master bedroom – but it is unlikely to achieve this cult status in daily life if there isn’t enough space

Sometimes freestanding furniture is a more practical solution

for the your clothes, shoes and accessories.

Welcome storage – cleverly designed spaces and furniture

is a cold spot. So, your first question should always be: do the

that ensure the bedroom always looks as inviting as it is

wardrobes come with backs?”

supposed to. But with so much choice available, where do you start?

In the main wardrobes are produced from MFC board (melamine faced chipboard) and some of the ‘well-known’

“When choosing bedroom furniture one thing to consider is

retailers use 15mm board with only 6mm or 9mm being used

do you plan to live at the property for many years to come?”

for wardrobe backs and drawer bases.

asks Sue Whelan of Conels Kitchens & Bedrooms in Rhyl. “If so then fully fitted bedroom furniture could be a good option

“If you have ever had flat-pack furniture when the drawers

as they are designed and made to fit a required space from

have collapsed or the wardrobe backs have pushed out, then

floor to ceiling so this maximises your storage space. Fully

you’ll know that this simply isn’t thick enough,” he continues.

fitted furniture also offers a wide selection of internal storage

“So your next questions is: what thickness are the drawer

solutions like drawer units, shoe racks, tie/belt holders and

boxes and wardrobe backs’? It is much better to make sure

pull down hanging rails. The fully fitted furniture is available

that all of the backs and carcasses are produced with 18mm

in either soft close sliding doors or hinged doors for the

board along with the drawer boxes making the units solid and

wardrobes which have a wide choice of finishes, bedsides

reliable. Finally, make sure that your chosen retailer offers a

and chests are also available to match your chosen wardrobe.”

made-to-order service with soft close doors and drawers as standard and not an extra.”

Gilbert E C Gillan from Hinton Interiors in Craig-y-Don agrees in asking questions before you purchase anything.

Of course, fitted furniture might not always be the best solution for you.

“When it comes to choosing fitted bedroom furniture there are some important questions that need to be asked,” he says.

“If you think you are likely to move in the near future then

“Some companies only sell frame systems for wardrobes.

maybe free standing furniture would be a good option as

This means that their wardrobes have no backs to them and

you can take it with you when you move,” explains Sue. “Just

the internal configuration is made up from panels. In some

remember not all homes have the same ceiling height so

instances this can lead to mould growth on the wall if there

choose standard height to be on the safe side.”

Page 70 NWM 2018

you can fit into the bedroom in question, as the more sleeping area we have the better nights sleep we experience,” advises Paul Burnet of Now to Bed in Prestatyn. “There are many offers available from various suppliers of free upgrades from a double (135cm) bed to a king size (150cm), so take advantage when you can.”

The second question you will need to answer is the comfort of a new bed, do you prefer soft, medium or a firm feel? There are so many different fillings in mattresses today it can be a bit of a mind field.

“Start from the bottom up!” continues Paul. “Bedsteads come in all sizes and are available in wood, metal leather and materials. They generally have slatted bases and would obviously include a headboard as part of the design.

Upholstered bases are available in a wide choice of fabrics and come as a platform base or a fully sprung base is also available.”

Conels Kitchens & Bedrooms offer a free no obligation local

Upholstered bases also are available with a multitude of

planning service and, if it’s extra storage you’re after then

storage options as we have already mentioned, including

they are well placed to advise.

drawers, ottoman, slidestore and hideaway. But, the most important choice is the mattress – and they are available in a

“A bedroom that offers an over bed arrangement would give

wide choice of fillings and tensions.

you a lot more storage with the wall units above the bed,” continues Sue. “Alternatively a bed that offers a large storage box that acts as a headboard and also has drawers in the base would be

“We have a choice of memory foam, latex, foam and natural fillings such as wool, cashmere, silk,

a good option. Another way is to purchase an ottoman bed as this gives you the whole base of the bed for storage.”

Many modern beds offer storage solutions underneath them, whether that is in the form of drawers or cupboards – or even by lifting up altogether in order to make use of every available inch.

But, at the end of the day, your bed is for sleeping on – so it is vital to ensure that it is comfortable first and foremost.

“When you set out to search for that ideal bed one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is what size are you are going to look for. If possible always get the biggest

Underbed storage maximises space

NWM 2018 Page 71

MAGAZINE

Now to Bed is a major retailer for Hypnos and has recently opened the first Hypnos studio in North Wales

horse hair, alpaca and cotton,” says Paul. “Most mattresses

the bed, bedside tables and bedside lamps the better. A

these days are made with pocket springs which give full

large bed is luxurious, while ample sized bedside tables

support from edge to edge, and is the best spring unit you

and lamps work to frame the bed – making it a feature

can have in a mattress. Please be careful not to be drawn in

within the room. Chests of drawers work well either side

to the more springs the better scenario, as some mattresses

of the bed where there is enough space – they really create

today can include up to 7,000 springs but a mattress with

an impact whilst providing plenty of storage to boot.

2,000 pocket springs can be just as comfortable.”

It is also worth considering including a dressing table if According to Now to Bed, the most popular fillings in a

you have the space. Not only does this provide yet more

mattress seems to be the natural filled ones with between

storage and a nice place to do your hair and make up, but

1,400 and 2,000 pocket springs. So, pillow top or a seasonal

it can always double as a desk for those times when the

turn mattress?

kitchen table just doesn’t quite provide that peace and quiet you were after.

“It’s down to personal choice really, as some customers prefer not to turn a pillow top mattress but just rotate it,”

And if all this starts to sound like its getting rather

adds Paul.

expensive, then fear not, as a quality bedroom should be viewed as an investment purchase.

Now to Bed is a major retailer for Hypnos and has recently opened the first Hypnos studio in North Wales so you could

“Just like a beautiful kitchen and bathroom, a well-

always pop in and try one yourself.

designed bedroom can add value to your home,” concludes Gilbert. n

And once you have the furniture and bed organised, the next step is to think about the décor. As we said at the beginning, a bedroom aspires to be a sanctuary – your

Contacts

sanctuary – so make this room as personal as you can.

Conels Kitchens & Bedrooms www.conels.co.uk

Feature walls, soft throws and plenty of scatter cushions can create the wow factor in any bedroom, whatever its

Hinton Interiors

size. A statement mirror is also a good idea, as it makes the

hintoninteriors.co.uk

room seem as light and airy as possible while providing a practical solution when you are getting ready.

Now to Bed

When dressing the room, where space allows, the larger

nowtobed.co.uk

Page 72 NWM 2018

Interiors FITTED BEDROOM FURNITURE • Made to measure to suit your needs • Solid 18mm backs on all units • 18mm solid drawer boxes • Soft close doors and drawers

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NWM 2018 Page 73

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Oakwood Cottage, Conwy

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Oakwood Cottage is a deceptively spacious three-bedroom

shower rooms,

cottage situated within a unique gated development in

a third double

the Snowdonia National Park. Surrounded by beautiful

bedroom and a

countryside, lovely walks on to the mountain, through the

family bathroom.

fields and into the historic walled town of Conwy. The

Externally the property boasts a front courtyard seating

accommodation on offer includes an entrance hall leading

area, a shared rear courtyard, two allocated parking spaces

into the lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen with granite

and visitor parking. Oakwood Cottage is on the market for

worktops, inner hallway, store/utility room and a cloakroom.

£275,000 with Fletcher & Poole.

Upstairs features a good-sized landing, two double bedrooms,

www.fletcherpoole.com

Property

roundup Livingstone Place The Livingstone Place development in St Asaph will provide 83 new luxury homes set on the outskirts of this historical town.

Bryn Awel, Tyn Y Groes

Properties range from onebedroom apartments to five-

Bryn Awel offers a rare opportunity to acquire an

bedroom family homes and,

immaculately presented detached split-level bungalow

coupled with the newly built

with stunning 180’ views of the Conwy River and the

housing, the development

Conwy valley. The property is set at the top of a private

also includes the converted

shared driveway, one of only three detached properties,

former historic workhouse (or

located in the heart of this popular rural village. The

the more recent H.M. Stanley

property has double glazing and gas fired central

hospital) providing individually

heating and, apart from the double integral garage and

designed bespoke apartments

utility room, all the accommodation is on one floor on the

which are full of historic

upper level which is accessed both from the internal

character. Livingstone Place is situated on the outskirts of the

staircase and a side driveway. The smart well presented

city of St Asaph and set overlooking the beautiful picturesque

accommodation includes a lounge which opens on to

far-reaching views of the Clwydian Hills countryside. This

the south facing roof terrace, a lovely open plan fitted

historical market town benefits of excellent local amenities

kitchen/diner which opens into a conservatory, a master

including a Cathedral, pre-school, junior and high schools

bedroom en suite, two further double bedrooms and a

including an independent school, doctor’s surgeries, sports

family shower room. Externally there is parking forecourt

centre, library, supermarket and a variety of pubs, restaurants,

for four cars and mature landscaped and lawned gardens,

hotels, shops and businesses. Properties are available for

including a small secluded copse area. Bryn Awel is on

£159,950 from Pure Residential, and are included in the Help to

the market with Anthony Flint for £387,500.

Buy Wales Scheme.

www.anthonyflint.co.uk

pureresidentialandcommercial.co.uk

NWM 2018 Page 75

MAGAZINE

Anwyl’s Parc Celyn Anwyl’s Parc Celyn development in the Flintshire village of Abermorddu, has two fabulous four-bedroom Meliden properties that are fully finished and ready to move into.

Nestled in a great semi rural location, just five miles from Wrexham and close to the A541 and A55 for commuting, Parc Celyn is an attractive development of three- and fourbedroom homes that has been popular with families of all

and w/c. Upstairs are four well appointed bedrooms, the

ages thanks to its close proximity to Abermorddu Primary

master with en suite, and a great family bathroom that

School and open green space for walking and playing out.

has been finished with contemporary Ideal Standard

Just two properties remain for sale, both four bedroom

sanitaryware. Ensuring that the Meliden is ready to move

Melidens. Double fronted, they offer plenty of space for

into, there are carpets to all bedrooms and also in the lounge

growing families. To the downstairs is an open plan kitchen

and Karndean flooring in the kitchen dining room, utility

dining room complete with fitted kitchen and French

room, family bathroom and en suite bathroom. Help to Buy

doors that open out onto the turfed rear garden, a separate

is available on both properties which are available for

spacious lounge that runs the length of the property and

£257,950 (or £206,360 with Help to Buy).

has a lovely window aspect to the front, a utility room

www.anwylhomes.co.uk

Peulwys Lane, Old Colwyn This three-bedroom bungalow in Old Colwyn enjoys superb far reaching views over the countryside, Rhos on Sea, the Little and Great Orme and the sea. The accommodation comprises hallway, triple aspect lounge, kitchen/dining room, rear porch, three bedrooms and shower room. Double glazing and gas central heating are available throughout. There is driveway parking for approximately three to four vehicles as well as a garage with additional under-house storage area and gardens to both the front and rear. Steps lead up to the front garden which is laid for low maintenance with golden chipping and well established planting. Path and timber gate give access to the rear garden which has a lawned area, flagged and decked patio seating areas, areas laid to golden stone chippings, hedge and fence boundaries.

The property is on the market with Fletcher & Poole for £239,950. www.fletcherpoole.com

Victoria Road, Old Colwyn This four-bedroom detached property has been updated over the years to a very high standard. Upgraded with double glazing and gas central heating throughout, the house also benefits from two reception rooms, two bathrooms, a large family kitchen / dining room, and a good sized detached garage. Outside and a generous sized driveway offers parking for two to three vehicles, as well as detached garage and a rear garden that features a generous lawned garden with picturesque apple tree. It is on the market for £259,950 and viewings can be arranged via Accent Properties. www.accentproperties.co.uk

Page 76 NWM 2018

ucbeds.co.uk

Sale

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Flint

38-40 Chester, Rd CH6 5DT 01352 217040

LLandudno

2 Mostyn Street LL30 2PS 01492 330170

MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

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92 Penrhyn Beach East, Penrhyn Bay LL30 3RW

15 Maes Y Llan Gyffin, Conwy LL32 8NB

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Llys Llewelyn Tal y Bont LL32 8SG

* Traditional Detached Two Bedroom Stone Cottage *Lovely Location & Excellent Views Over The Conwy Valley * Good Size Gardens With Woodland Page 78 78 NWM NWM 2018 2017 Page

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5 LLys Dedwydd, Rhos On Sea LL28 4BG

£275,000

Reference Number: FP5386C

R

EPC Rating “G”

£310,000 * * *

Four Bedroom Detached House Light & Well Planned Accommodation Quiet Cul De Sac Location Reference Number: RP1653

EPC Band TBC

Inside Out North Wales Magazine brings you the latest products from the world of interiors

Aiding design The KitchenAid Iconic Fridge has been awarded an iF Design Award 2018. The iF Design Awards is one of the world’s largest, and most highly respected, design competitions. Selected by an international jury of 63 design experts, the organisation sees over 6,400 entries from 54 countries around the world who compete for a coveted iF label for outstanding design achievement. Inspired by the timeless and instantly recognisable KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer, the Iconic Fridge has been conceived from the outset as a new design classic. Iconic by name, and an icon in the kitchen, this award-winning design impresses through its finely crafted details. www.kitchenaid.co.uk

Throw back Whether you want to use it to snuggle down in front of a roaring fire, or to extend every last inch of daylight going, this grey chevron throw from Shimu is certainly bound to come in handy. Made from 100% softened cotton, this luxurious throw measures 130 x 170cm, making it ideal for both inside and out and, priced at £45, it is an easy way to add a spot of luxury to any room in the house – even the outside one! www.shimu.co.uk

Mirror mirror…

This mirrored storage unit is simple and luxurious, and it can be used in several ways. Measuring 60cm wide by 60cm deep it can literally be fitted in any corner around your house. Fully mirrored and bevelled, it features a spacious drawer with a hidden handle underneath the unit. You could even create a glamorous floating storage display by combining two or three units in a vertical arrangement and, at just £79.99 per shelf, it is surprisingly affordable to boot. www.my-furniture.co.uk

NWM 2018 Page 79

MAGAZINE

Silver lining Soft Silver Oak is the latest furniture finish in VitrA’s M-Line Infinit bathroom furniture range. The wall hung range includes tall and smaller wall units, impressive vanities in a choice of sizes and mirror cabinets. Other colours in the range are high gloss white and dramatic plum tree. “Silver Oak is a very good choice when the designer wants to bring light into a bathroom,” comments Margaret Talbot, marketing manager for VitrA. “It is a soft colour that works very well with whites and with natural tiling. The glass fronts work particularly well with this colour.” Available in 80cm, 100cm and 120cm widths, the M-Line Infinit bathroom furniture range features glass shelves throughout, fully extending drawers for easy access and full use of space and ambient LED lighting. www.VitrA.co.uk

Cool cabinets

Softly does it The Charleston fabric collection from ILIV offers timeless and elegant woven designs which have drawn inspiration from the popular Art Deco era. Available in six colourways, Coral, Graphite (pictured), Heather, Midnight, Putty and Spa, prices range from £32 to £40.50 per metre. www.i-liv.co.uk

On fire!

Spring is suggesting that it is on its way, meaning more time spent in the garden. But, since the nights aren’t quite sweltering just yet, it might be wise to factor in some outdoor heating. Paloform outdoor fire pits are handmade in architectural concrete, corten and stainless steel, and are designed to showcase the qualities of fire while allowing the beauty of the vessels to speak for themselves. Each of Paloform’s designs can be fit with either a natural gas or propane-fueled burner. All burners are available in two ignition styles: a manuallylit model with a standing pilot light or electronic ignition connected to a wall switch or home control system. In addition the fire pits are available with a choice of tops, turning the pieces into outdoor tables when not burning.

Tempered glass screens are available for some models, specifically in square and rectangular formats, providing additional protection for wind – and small hands. paloform.com

Appliance specialist Caple has taken its renowned wine cabinet collection to even greater heights with the launch of its refreshed range. Caple offers the widest range on the market, including its new collection of undercounter, incloumn and freestanding wine cabinets. Some undercounter wine cabinets even feature an adjustable plinth, which makes them compatible with every style of kitchen furniture. “We’re delighted to introduce our fifth generation of wine cabinets,” said Caple’s product manager Luke Shipway. “We’re renowned for the quality and style of our high-performance, design-led wine cabinets and our new range will further cement our position as market leaders in this category.” www.caple.co.uk

Page 80 NWM 2018

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Find out more today: 01492 880 200 sales@mha.org.uk Adlington House, Abbey Road, Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy LL28 4PU All details correct at the time of press. Images are MHA representative only.

Clogau set to open first North Wales store

Welsh jewellery brand Clogau is set to open its first North Wales store at Broughton, Flintshire, this month. The second-generation family business based in Bodelwyddan is renowned for its rich North Walian heritage and unique hand-finished jewellery, and the Broughton store is only its second boutique outside of London. The opening bolsters Broughton’s jewellery offering and will bring ten jobs to the region. “It’s

Read all about it!

so exciting to welcome such a well-regarded Welsh

If you enjoyed this issue of North Wales Magazine then

brand to the centre,” commented Alan Barker, centre

why not subscribe? Packed full of interesting features,

manager at Broughton. “Clogau is a great addition

what’s on listings, food & drink, columns, interviews,

to our existing mix of retailers and being chosen by

homes & interiors and days out, North Wales Magazine is

them cements our position as North Wales’ preferred

the ONLY glossy monthly publication for the region. You

shopping destination for fashion and gifts.” The

can pick one up from a range of independent retailers

new store will stock a wide range of sterling silver,

throughout North Wales – but when they’ve gone, they’ve

9ct and 18ct gold jewellery including rings, charm

gone! For just £2.99 (or the price of a cup of coffee) you

bracelets, pendants and watches – all containing

can guarantee to have your own issue delivered straight

rare Welsh gold, as used by some members of the

to your door every month. You can pay by cheque, card or

British Royal Family for over 100 years. Every Clogau

via online banking – whichever method suits you best – on

piece is inspired by a wonderful story – whether it be

either an annual or monthly basis.

nature, the natural beauty of Wales or their unique association with royalty. Since 1923, the British Royal

Email subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk or call

Family have favoured pure Welsh gold to create their

079572 422996 for further information.

wedding rings – a tradition which was carried into its 88th year with the most recent royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Ben Roberts, managing director of Clogau, added: “Our Broughton store opening in March coincides with the lead-up to the royal wedding. Given the connections between Welsh gold with the British Royal Family, we’re expecting demand to be higher than ever.” www.clogau.co.uk

Page 82 NWM 2018

Volunteers needed based support group for people with macular disease. The Macular Society is appealing for anyone living locally who would be willing to give up some of their time to help organise and run the group’s monthly meetings, with help from the charity’s services and volunteering team.

The group is also looking for people to assist with general tasks such as booking guest speakers each month. For more information about the Abergele Macular Support Group, contact Adele Francis on 01639 843236 or email adele.francis@ macularsociety.org

Charity trek And the winner is…

Huge congratulations goes to Gwyneth Craker who is the lucky winner of our February competition.

Gwyneth has won a family full return ticket on either the Ffestiniog or the Welsh Highland A trek to the summit of Snowdon is set to raise thousands of pounds for

Railway. Whichever

a North Wales charity caring for children with life-limiting conditions.

journey Gwyneth decides to take her family

Supporters of Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospice at Conwy and Hope House at

on, we’re sure that she’ll have a fabulous

Oswestry will make the trek on 1st July. The two hospices provide care

day out. Enjoy!

and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales. Organisers of the event are hoping to recruit around 300 walkers to raise at least £30,000, to help towards the running costs of the charity – it needs a whopping £6.3 million every year to keep the two hospices open. Each walker, who has to pledge to raise £100 each, will be provided with a free t-shirt, supplied

by Llanfairfechan-based merchandising company Sional – which will be sending its own team to the top of Snowdon to help with the fundraising. All those completing the nine-mile trek along the Llanberis Trail will also get a medal plus hot soup and roll. Experienced mountain guides will be along the route and at the check in points to ensure everybody stays safe. It costs £20 to register for the event. For an information pack email: fundraising@tygobaith.org.uk

NWM 2018 Page 83

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Page 84 NWM 2018

On the road

Luke Edwards takes a spin in the Fiat 124 Spider, and finds it is the perfect touring partner… drive Fiat lives up to its “Reborn to be Wild” tag line. The very economical Euro 6 engine (44.1 mpg combined) is mated to a smooth six speed manual gearbox.

The interior of the Fiat shares a few key elements with the MX5, such as the infotainment software, but the Spider has a true Italian feel. It’s a nice place to be with body hugging leather seats and intuitive design. Cabin storage is a little limited, but the soft top roof on the 124 Spider means the boot is generous at 140 litres.

I drove one of my favourite local routes from Llangollen, What better way to celebrate the start of spring than to drive

stopping off at Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre for their superb

an Ice White coloured Italian sports convertible around North

coffee and to take some photos of the car. Then making my way

Wales? And not your average convertible either, but the 124

along the A5 to Betws-y-Coed and through to Anglesey, towards

Spider from Fiat.

the circuit, and there was ample room for two peoples camera equipment, jackets, helmets, bags etc.

Fiat has seen a huge success in the UK with the modern rebirth of the iconic 500, (the model celebrated its 60th

Mentioning about the roof, the Fiat 124 Spider inherits the same

birthday last year with a special “Anniversario” edition), and

fantastically simple roof mechanism as the Mazda MX5, there

it’s prompted Fiat to reinvent another classic. The original Fiat

is one central latch and the hood clips down for storage with

124 Spider was launched in 1966 and many motorists loved it,

one press, so it can be put up and down in seconds. The fabric

especially in America.

is insulated so wind noise when driving down the motorway is very limited.

When thinking about building the new Fiat 124 Spider, the Italian manufacturer decided to partner up with Mazda, who

The question has to be “would you go for the Fiat or the

offered their well-honed MX5 platform as a base. The 124

Mazda?” and for me the Fiat is a far prettier car than the new

Spider, however, shares not a single body panel with the Mazda

MX5.

MX5 and this is where the Italian design flair shines through.

The 124 Spider feels much longer than the MX5, not a snub

Prices for the Fiat 124 Spider start at £21,050 (on the road) for

nosed sports car, but more a cruising roadster. The bonnet

the entry level Classica spec, but I would recommend going

sits out long in front of you and gives the driver a feeling of

for the Lusso spec at £23,800 (on the road), which upgrades

grandeur. Nice touches such as the swallowtail rear wings nod

the seats to plush Italian leather and gives you all the essential

to the vintage 124.

driver aids you may require. n

Engine wise Fiat has placed a turbocharged

Freelance motoring journalist Luke Edwards is a member

1.4-litre Multiair in the 124 Spider, pushing out

of the British Guild of Motoring Writers and is a motoring

140bhp (0-62 mph in 7.5 sec) and it provides a

specialist for BBC local radio. He can be found as a

versatile package. On a motorway the turbo allows

competitor in the occasional Hill Climb competition too –

the engine to become a comfortable cruiser. I

but in his car rather than on his feet. You can follow Luke

also tested the Fiat on a proper race circuit - the

Edwards’ Motoring on Twitter @exhaustnotesuk

superb MX5 based chassis means the rear wheel

NWM 2018 Page 85

Learning by heart Since the early 19th Century, the three ‘Rs’ have been known

offer then the greater the sense of belonging and comradeship.

as reading, [w]’riting, and [a]’rithmetic. I recall a headmaster

Opportunities for individual and small team performance have

saying that teaching was two things – communication and

their place but mass participation generates a real sense of

relationships. I would have added knowledge but I liked the

loyalty to a common cause, as well as being great fun.

simplicity of focussing on the importance of communication and relationships.

2) Find ways to promote diagonal relationships. Horizontal relationships across a year group and vertical relationships in a

When we think back on our own school experience we will,

house system are all well and good, but facilitating opportunities

I imagine, remember not the lessons we had but our friends,

where any pupil in Year 7 has the opportunity to interact with a

our experiences and, probably, those teachers we appreciated.

sixth former is even better.

One of my strongest memories is opening the batting with my history teacher and, in one match, we scored a century

3) Think long-term. Relationships formed at school do not

partnership – though it was his love of history and personality

stop once pupils leave. An alumni network continues and

that I most appreciated.

reinvigorates that sense of community, offering mentor and career advisors for pupils as well as encouraging pupils to stay

I remember in my first three years of teaching, coaching

in touch with each other long after they’ve left school.

rugby to the school’s youngest pupils and, therefore, getting to know every boy as they moved through the school. Schools,

4) Think outside the box. Rydal Penrhos has a Business Club

particularly boarding schools, are communities and so healthy

with nearly 100 members and regular networking events. Some

relationships are essential.

members are alumni, some are current parents and some are local businesses interested in the opportunities that come with

Today’s teens face a multitude of challenges and pressures:

forming mutually beneficial relationships.

time, pace, exams and work prospects to name but a few. They are connected globally via the internet, yet these pressures and

In these uncertain times, pupils (and their parents) need a

connections enable a teenager not just to be distracted but to

fixed point; something to rely upon and relate to. The new

disassociate themselves from their immediate community. In

technologies and league table positions of schools are attractive

times of stress and concern our pupils now have the capacity

to families considering their options, but they are no guarantee

to withdraw from the people best placed to help them and, in

of happiness, confidence and security. Today’s young people

doing so, face a different plethora of pressures and modelled

need to be able to build and experience relationships at school

behaviour. Children want to ‘fit in’ – fit in at school, at work and

too, to learn tolerance, empathy, resilience and resourcefulness.

at home. If they feel they don’t, they now have the opportunity to

These are the ‘Rs’ for which there is no exam or league table

escape in a way that wasn’t possible even ten years ago.

– but which may just be the silver bullet for the trials and tribulations of the 21st Century. n

So what can schools do? We can of course educate our pupils and parents through the media of PHSE classes and events such as the parents’ Pastoral Forums we hold at Rydal Penrhos, but there are additional strategies we employ in developing healthy relationships and to combat the stresses and strains of

Simon Smith is the headmaster of Rydal

adolescence.

Penrhos in Colwyn Bay. He is married with two teenage children and has a

1) Push participation. The more team sports, music concerts,

passion for rugby

drama productions, social events and competitions schools can

NWM 2018 Page 87

MAGAZINE

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Three places to visit in March

Getting back

Coed Cilygroeslwyd, near

to Nature

Ruthin This North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve, overlooking the Clwyd valley, is an ancient Yew woodland where Wild Daffodils grow. Flowering

There’s plenty of wildlife across the region in March, says Julian Hughes, if you know where to look.

typically peaks in mid March.

From the entrance, follow the lane to a kissing gate at the top edge of the wood; turn

A host of golden Daffodils

right and follow the path for

The yellow heads of Wales’ national flower brighten up the

Credit: Trevor Rickard

roadsides of North Wales during March, but these almost

about 200 metres.

always have a cultivated origin. When Wordsworth wrote his poem “I wandered lonely as a

Coed Hafod, near Betws-y-

cloud…”, celebrating the flowers in Ullswater, he was seeing wild daffodils, but they are hard

Coed

to find now, outcompeted by garden varieties. Wild Daffodils have pale, papery petals and a

This is one of the best

dark yellow trumpet, and are now restricted to pockets of ancient woodland.

ancient woodland sites in the Conwy Valley, on a steep

Mad as a March hare?

hillside above the A470. A

Although Lewis Carroll popularised the myth of the ‘mad’ March

walk in March will find all

hare, the phrase was popular in English for centuries before he

the resident birds declaring their nesting territories in

wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The image of ‘boxing’ hares was once thought to be males fighting for breeding supremacy, but it’s actually female hares (known as does) using

Credit: Tony Pope

song, while Great Spotted Woodpeckers drum noisily

their long legs to repel the amorous enthusiasm of a male (buck). Hares have declined by up

and rapidly on a tree trunk.

to 80% because of changes to farming, but good numbers remain in parts of Anglesey and

The woodland floor is covered

Denbighshire. March is the start of their breeding season, and with vegetation short, it’s a

in butter-yellow Celandines

good time to see them in action.

and pink-flowering Bilberry.

Spawn of frog and toad

Credit: : Trevor Rickard

Warmer days in March will encourage frogs and toads to return to freshwater ponds to lay their eggs, within a jellylike substance that helps them remain close to the surface. Frog spawn is laid in clumps, while toad spawn is in long strings.

Females lay huge quantities of spawn because much of it won’t even make it to the tadpole stage, as they are eaten by birds, fish and another amphibian, newts. Spawn does best in warm, light ponds with plenty of sunshine, but do not move spawn, tadpoles or adults between ponds because you risk transferring diseases that can harm the animals or introduce invasive plants into the water.

Race from Africa

Craig yr Aderyn, near Tywyn

March sees the first migrant birds

In the Dysynni Valley, several

arriving from their southern wintering

miles from the sea, is a huge

grounds. The weather in Iberia and

outcrop known as Bird Rock.

France will determine which species

It’s home to the only nesting

get back first, and when, but by mid-

colony of Cormorants in

March we can expect to hear the first

Wales, which are establishing

Chiffchaffs singing in woodlands. Later

their nests in March. It is

in the month you may spot Sand Martins

also designated a protected

feeding on insects low over wetland

area because the caves and

pools, the first Wheatears on coastal

hollows provide sheltered

headlands and mountains. The name

nesting sites for Choughs,

Wheatear comes from the flash of white

the red-billed crow for which

rump (white arse) as they flit away from

Wales holds the bulk of the

you, while their Welsh name, Tinwen y

UK population.

Garn, relates to their presence around rocky summits (cairns).

Julian Hughes grew up in North Wales, which instilled a lifelong love of nature. He lives near Llandudno, manages the RSPB’s Conwy nature reserve, and writes about the region’s wildlife.

NWM 2018 Page 89

MAGAZINE

AS PLLYN-YW G EDD W

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d dia / e n m My ddi am Free ry Ent

For the love of all things

vintage...

The confessions of a modern day Magpie Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

From an interior design perspective, one of my favourite items to purchase for the home that can give your look another dimension is a fabulous, well-placed mirror. Not that Tatty is at all fond of her own reflection, vain I am not. But I do admit that I am a little addicted to buying them – the count so far this week, four! Of course, as with all things antique, the price range can vary widely and they can be astronomically expensive. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case and they can be picked up very affordably.

A cleverly placed mirror can create a vista, give the illusion of space and bring light into a dull room. Mirrors are the magicians of perspective; just like those sneaky mirrors in high street changing rooms, that are purposefully tilted out at the bottom, to give you the impression of being taller and thinner!

For me, the sign of a good mirror is all in the plate; it’s all about the wear and age.

Perfectly, imperfect. I adore the distressed look of flaking mercury with the faint whisper of twinkling sparkle like a cosmos of stars. Now, imagine that mirror with a heavily gilded frame, hung above a roaring fire or by candlelight – just amazing!

A mirror that may appear to some as too far gone, is not far enough for others.

Especially interior designers who favour the distressed look.

Dates FOR YO

UR DIA

R

Y Llandu dno To wn Ha Vintag ll e Every W & Antiques Fair ednesd ay 4th and every la from April of each st Saturday month Cheste r Ant Collect ables F iques & Arena – air, Northgat e 31st Ma rch

Buying an antique mirror is for me like buying a beautiful old oil painting, and to buy a brand new mirror would be like buying a print. It just wouldn’t have the same feeling and would lack the character and depth. When I pause and look into an old mirror, I feel the sense of time and history and all the past reflections it has seen, gazing back at me.

Tatty is constantly searching for new stock and would love to hear from you if you have any of the following

This week on a buying trip to Cheshire, I was fortunate (as mentioned before) to purchase four beautiful examples, all circa 1930. Good sized dressing table mirrors with easel back stands,

for sale: quality vintage costume jewellery/handbags, antique quilts or Welsh blankets. 1920/1930’s ladies clothing and shawls. Please call 07940 730421

perfect for styling a room. A hand painted Eastern chinoiserie, a beautiful English garden style Barbola, a Venetian etched glass and finally a Will’s Capstan advertising mirror. “Genuine” and

Ali Hough is a specialist vintage

“not reproduction” advertising mirrors are always highly prized

dealer with a passion for decorative

by me.

antiques and a flair for interiors, based in Old Colwyn, North Wales

With Love Tatty xx

NWM 2018 Page 91

THE

weddingplanner As your new columnist I thought it would only be fair of me to introduce myself first, before I start diving into the magical whirlwind of weddings!

I’m Caroline and I’m a

To start with I’ll tell you a little bit about my

30-something-year-old

special day. I’m not going to bore you with every

Talhenbont Hall Wedding

(because a true ‘lady’

detail but a couple of memorable parts from our

Open Day

never tells her age) from

wedding are probably the parts that didn’t go to

Sunday 4th March,

North Wales. I live in a

plan…

12 – 3pm

lovely village by the coast

So, picture this, all your guests are sat in a church

with my husband (so I

listening to you say your vows, it comes to my turn

Bodnant Welsh Food

speak from personal and

and the priest announces my husband’s name

Wedding Open Evening

professional experience),

wrong! He called him Robert – which is actually

Thursday 15th March,

and we have two fur

our surname. Obviously for the split second afterwards

5.30 – 8pm

babies – Tabitha the cat

everyone fell silent and waited to hear me repeat his

and Spud the dog.

words. When I said my husband’s actual name the whole

Get planning!

I take you, Robert – or whatever your name is! – to be my husband

church erupted in laughter. Hence the picture on this

Llanrhaeadr Springs

page which captures the exact moment!

Wedding Fayre

I’m the owner of Events

Saturday 17th & Sunday

by Caroline Louise and

18th March

the business was born

Another part is when the strap on my dress popped

in 2013 from my love of

off as I lifted my arm to light the candle at the altar. As I

Soughton Hall Spring

organising mixed with

wanted to remove the straps on my dress for the evening

Wedding Fayre

my goal of spreading a

I didn’t get them sewn in, hence why my husband had

Sunday 25th March,

little bit of happiness

to fumble with the strap in front of everyone who once

1 - 4pm

wherever I go. Growing up

again were giggling away, as my husband apologised for

my parents both worked

the wardrobe malfunction.

The Kinmel Hotel Open

and had their own

Evening

businesses. But my love

So don’t worry about every tiny detail going to the exact

Thursday 29th March,

for weddings started way

plan you envisage, because even if something doesn’t

5.30 – 8pm

back when I was a small

work out it’s not the end of the world.

girl, as my mum had her very own bridal gown shop. My sisters and I would love nothing more than to grab a sneaky

Caroline Roberts runs Events by Caroline Louise,

peak of the excited bride arriving to pick up their

an event management company that specialises in

unique handmade wedding gown. So I guess my

wedding planning. She also runs Bella, the Prosecco

inspiration and drive to set up my own business

Van. For more information visit

has come from my hard working parents.

www.eventsbycarolinelouise.com

NWM 2018 Page 93

Units 1-6, HTM Business Park, Rhuddlan, Rhyl LL18 5UZ

1000’s of products for Trade and DIY projects in

stock.

Domestic and commercial wiring products & accessories.

Quality trade brands at competitive prices.

Call now, or pop in for a chat.

Open Mon - Fri. 8.00 AM to 5.30 PM. Sat 8.30 AM to 12.00 PM

Tel .01745 591391. www.goughelectrical.org.uk

The Last Word 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8

10

9

11

12 13

14

15

16 17 19

20

18 21

22

23 24

25 26 29

31

Across: 1 Applaud, 5 Pastor, 9 Advantage, 10 Undue, 11 Mats, 12 Dumpling, 15 Sultana, 16 Israel, 17 Tic, 19 Twilit, 21 Easiest, 24 Haymaker, 25 Etna, 28 Drive, 29 Rembrandt, 30 Beat up, 31 Shortly.

30

Down 1 Scaremonger (8) 2 Crucial (7) 3 “Black Beauty� author - Sewell (4) 4 Faculty head (4) 5 Biased (10) 6 Statue-maker (10) 7 Bygone (3-4) 8 Prevail (5) 13 Legislative assembly (10) 14 Rickety vehicle (10) 18 Furtive (8) 20 Edge of the road (7) 22 Permanently inactive (7) 23 Fly-by-night (5) 26 Yuletide (4) 27 Group of three (4)

Down: 1 Alarmist, 2 Pivotal, 3 Anna, 4 Dean, 5 Prejudiced, 6 Sculptress, 7 Old-time, 8 Reign, 13 Parliament, 14 Rattletrap, 18 Stealthy, 20 Wayside, 22 Extinct, 23 Shady, 26 Xmas, 27 Trio.

28

27

Across 1 Clap (7) 5 Priest (6) 9 Benefit (9) 10 Unwarranted (5) 11 Floor coverings (4) 12 Rounded mass of steamed dough (8) 15 Seedless raisin (7) 16 East Mediterranean democracy (6) 17 Involuntary muscular contraction (3) 19 Dusky (6) 21 Least difficult (7) 24 Knockout punch (8) 25 Sicilian volcano (4) 28 Compel (5) 29 Dutch master (9) 30 Work over (4,2) 31 Soon (7))

NWM 2018 Page 95

MAGAZINE

Page 96 NWM 2018

COMPETITION

Win

A prom dress worth £365!

Every girl wants to look her absolute best at her prom and now, thanks to Charlotte James Boutique, every girl now has that chance!

The Broughton-based boutique is offering one lucky winner a prom dress up to the value of £365. The prize can be used towards the purchase, or hire, of one evening dress – and it includes a full fitting service as well as any alternations that

To Enter To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply send your name and address to competition@northwalesmagazine.co.uk by Wednesday 21st March – making sure that you put Charlotte James in the subject line.

Good luck!

may be needed to ensure it is the perfect fit.

Established in 1989, Charlotte James Boutique is the perfect place to visit for your special occasion. It offers a fabulous range of designer prom and evening dresses that you simply won’t find on the high street. They don’t send the same dress to the same school and alterations are included in their prices.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE: North Wales Magazine may contact you occasionally with details of relevant offers. Your details will not be passed on to third parties, expect to the provider of this competition.

Term & Conditions • Prize can be used towards the purchase or hire of one evening dress, available at Charlotte James Boutique • Voucher valid until 30th June 2018 • This voucher must be used against one single transaction and no cash substitute or change will be given

Charlotte James Boutique, Chester Road, Broughton, CH4 0DL Tel: 01244 537444 www.charlottejamesboutique.com

NWM 2018 Page 97

MAGAZINE

IN THE

STARS...

While everyone remembers Russell Grant from his Breakfast TV appearances in the 1980’s, most people don’t realise that Russell was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a horoscope forecast to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). Now dubbed the “Royal Astrologer” Russell has appeared on numerous television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing.

He divides his time between London and his North Wales home near Portmeirion. www.russellgrant.com

March’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Work will be stressful at the beginning of March, with too many responsibilities being heaped on your plate. The Full Moon on the 2nd will tear you away from a relaxing interlude, making you irritable. On the 17th, the New Moon will give you an opportunity to withdraw from public life and enjoy some solitude.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd) The Full Moon on the 2nd brings a painful secret to light. You feel betrayed by someone who kept their motives hidden from you. This manipulator will try to get back into your good graces. Don’t be fooled by their apparent apologies. On the 17th, the New Moon presents an ideal opportunity to start a job.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) A romance will meet a turning point on the 2nd, due to a pivotal Full Moon. It’s time to decide whether you’re going to get serious or part ways altogether. If you are in a committed partnership, things will be tense between you and your amour. A group activity on the 17th will be more fun than expected, thanks to a relaxed New Moon.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd) A group project comes to fruition on the 2nd. If you’ve developed tender feelings for one of your teammates, keep them to yourself. The object of your affection has been maintaining a false front. On the 31st, the Full Moon will urge you to release a grudge. Dwelling on the past is making you bitter.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) Your living situation will be difficult at the start of the month. A Full Moon on the 2nd urges you to find a home where you feel supported and nurtured. If you live too far from work, think about getting a place closer to your job. The New Moon on the 17th marks an exciting career opportunity.

Getting a promotion will allow you to exercise your creative muscles.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st) An embarrassing situation could occur on the 2nd, due to a tense Full Moon. Someone will try to blame you for their mistakes. Instead of getting defensive, it will be better to accept this accusation with good grace. The Full Moon on the 31st urges you to monitor the company you keep. Break ties with a shady manipulator who pretends to be your friend.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) An upsetting exchange on social media will get under your skin. It’s best to stay away from threads involving politics, religion and current events.

Someone who posts an offensive remark on the 2nd is looking for a fight.

Taking their bait will be serious cause for regret. On the 31st, a second Full Moon will cause disruptions on the home front. Prepare for a family quarrel.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th) A creative project will get a mixed reception on the 2nd. The Full Moon has created an air of confusion. Some people will instinctively love your work, while others will simply dismiss it. Try not to take the rejection personally.

On the 17th, the New Moon prompts you to launch an advertising campaign, blog or writing project.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) Money from a job will be less than expected on the 2nd, due to a tense Full Moon. Let this be a lesson moving forward. If someone has violated a contract, you will have to get help from a legal professional to recoup your fee. A second Full Moon on the 31st urges you to be on the alert for someone who is taking credit for your ideas.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th) Go over your financial statements with a fine-toothed comb on the 2nd. That’s when the Full Moon will bring some troubling information to light. If you discover fraud or unauthorised activity, notify the authorities immediately. A legal matter could come to a disappointing conclusion on the 31st, when a second Full Moon highlights a fundamental injustice.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd) It will be difficult to talk sense to a friend, romantic partner or business colleague at the beginning of March. The Full Moon on the 2nd has you working at cross purposes. Although it pains you to do so, it may be necessary to step aside and allow them to make a terrible mistake. Are you single? You could meet someone special at a spiritual, cultural or artistic gathering.

Page 98 NWM 2018

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th) A troubled partnership could finally come to an end. The Full Moon on the 2nd will convince you to explore greener pastures. Saying goodbye to a friend or romantic partner who doesn’t meet your needs will be a relief.

The New Moon on the 17th invites you to do something nice for yourself.

Changing your hairstyle or revamp your wardrobe.

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MAGAZINE

Page 100 NWM 2018