s a m ABERSOCH t s i Chr CHRISTMAS 2021
LIFE
estive FTREATS
LOTS OF
INSIDE
A FESTIVE FEAST OF EVERYTHING ABERSOCH THIS CHRISTMAS
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s the darkness twinkles with the promise of Christmas, hope and joy reflect in excited eyes. The stars shimmer with wishes and the full moon dances across the black silk sea. Laughter fuels warm hearts, misty breath dissolves into the night air. In December everything harmonises on Pen Llŷn; white tipped mountains, frosty golden fields, decorated shops and houses beam back at us in appreciation as Christmas murmurs. The silence of autumn (as people float away with the leaves off the trees, leaving the bare boughs of the village with their roots clinging deeply) is disturbed. A faint jingling of bells awakens locals from their post season hibernation and the pubs and shops become busy once again. Familiar faces and well-known voices chorus across bars. The yearly returners and loyal locals commune in celebration, as new visitors enjoy our community spirit at its best. Welsh, English, old beachcombers and new staycationers, everyone consumed by the same magic, the alchemy of the Christmas spirit intoxicates all. Here with the Christmas edition of Abersoch Life, we take a look at some special moments from 2021. We bring you blessings from St Pedrog’s, follow the children of Ysgol Abersoch on a pilgrimage, see wishes comes true on Porth Neigwl, as well as the all-important gift, fashion and festive booze guides. This yuletide we look-forward to sharing, appreciating, and enjoying precious time with loved ones. Tis the season of goodwill to all.
Nadolig Llawen from all of us at Abersoch Life Magazine! 4 | ABERSOCH LIFE MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2021
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rth i’r tywyllwch sgleinio ag addewid am y Nadolig, gwelir gobaith a llawenydd mewn llygaid llawn cyffro. Mae’r sêr yn pefrio â dymuniadau a’r lleuad lawn yn dawnsio ar draws y môr sidan du. Daw chwerthin i gynhesu calonnau, anadl niwlog yn toddi yn awyr y nos. Ym mis Rhagfyr mae popeth mewn cynghanedd ym Mhen Llŷn; mynyddoedd â’u copaon gwyn, caeau euraid barugog, siopau a thai addurnedig yn gwenu’n braf arnom wrth groesawu sïon am y Nadolig. Torrwyd tawelwch yr hydref (wrth i bobl hedfan i ffwrdd fel y dail oddi ar y coed, gyda changhennau noeth y pentref yn dal yn dynn yn eu gwreiddiau). Mae sŵn clychau yn y pellter yn deffro’r trigolion o’u trwmgwsg ac mae’r tafarndai a’r siopau yn brysur unwaith eto. Wynebu cyfarwydd a lleisiau adnabyddus yn gorws mewn bariau. Y rhai sy’n dychwelyd yn flynyddol a’r bobl leol yn cyd-ddathlu, wrth i ymwelwyr newydd fwynhau’n hysbryd cymunedol ar ei orau. Cymry, Saeson, chwilotwyr glan môr a phobl wyliau newydd, pawb wedi’u cyfareddu gan yr un hud, ac alcemi ysbryd y Nadolig yn codi’n hysbryd ni i gyd. Yma gyda rhifyn Nadolig Abersoch Life, cymerwn olwg ar rai o eiliadau arbennig 2021. Down â bendithion i chi o Sant Pedrog, dilynwn blant ysgol Abersoch ar bererindod, gwelwn ddymuniadau’n cael eu gwireddu ym Mhorth Neigwl, yn ogystal â’r canllawiau pwysig ar anrhegion, ffasiwn a diodydd y Nadolig. Y Nadolig hwn edrychwn ymlaen at rannu, gwerthfawrogi, a mwynhau amser gwerthfawr gydag anwyliaid. Mae’n dymor ewyllys da.
Nadolig Llawen oddi wrth bob un ohonom yng nghylchgrawn Abersoch Life!
Abersoch
Wishing our homeowners, holidaymakers, suppliers and friends in Abersoch a very Merry Christmas from all at Abersoch Holiday Homes! With over 250 beautiful holiday homes across Pen Llŷn, from chalets in The Warren leisure park to spacious boutique-style luxury houses, your Great Welsh holiday might be closer than you think...
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CONTENTS ABERSOCH MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2021
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8.
BLADE’S XMAS HAMPER
A delightful selection of gorgeous gifts for the foodie in your life.
10 .
SEASON’S BLESSINGS FROM ST. PEDROG ’S A christmas catchup with Archdeacon Andrew Jones
12.
FESTIVE INTERIORS
20.
Zoe Lewthwaite creates a festive feast for the eyes.
WISHES COME TRUE Abersoch’s surfing champion spreading the love for adaptive surfing.
18.
24.
A BARDSEY PILGRIMAGE! Ysgol Abersoch follow the trail of the 20,000 saints to Ynys Enlli.
26.
ICE ICE BABY! A chat with Jack from Two Islands on everything ice cream and the opening of their new space.
DUNKERS A YEAR ON Catching up with the crew one year after it all began.
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30.
GWIN LLYN WINES
An experts eye on what boozy beverages should enhance our festive feasts this year.
34.
AN ABERSOCH LOVE STORY A wonderfully romantic tale of finding love in Abersoch.
39.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Carefully curated gift selection for all this Christmas.
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44.
CHRISTMAS FASHION
What to wear this season? We have you covered!
52.
FINAL IMAGE
Closing the year with a last look over Abersoch.
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Bell
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All material is copyright and should not be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. All details are correct to the best of our knowledge. The publishers do not endorse or recommend any of the entries or advertisements in the magazine unless otherwise stated. We advise that you make your own judgments, enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. When contacting any business we suggest that you confirm the exact type of goods and services offered, the qualifications held and all other relevant aspects of the service that you are seeking. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the magazine, from errors, omissions, from claims made by the advertiser of from omissions or inaccuracies relating to advertisements or other material regardless of how caused.
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Blades CHRISTMAS HAMPER
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PHOTO: HOPE FOR BEGINNINGS OF A BETTER WORLD ARE AT THE HEART OF ANDREW’S PRAYERS THIS CHRISTMAS BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
FROM ST. PEDROG’S
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N LLANBEDROG, THERE LIVES ONE LOCAL WHO IS A STEP CLOSER TO THE MAGICAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS THAN MOST, AND THAT IS THE VENERABLE ANDREW CARROLL JONES, ARCHDEACON OF MEIRIONNYDD AND BELOVED PRIEST IN LLANBEDROG. CHRISTMAS WOULD NOT BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CHECKING IN AT ST PEDROG’S AND BEING PROFOUNDLY REMINDED JUST WHAT ALL OF THE FESTIVE FUSS IS REALLY ABOUT.
What wonderful things have happened at St Pedrog’s this year? Although we opened our churches when we were allowed to way back in July 2020, this past year has seen a sense of excitement at being able to recommence some of the familiar things we used to enjoy so much two years ago - things like singing hymns, chanting parts of our weekly Eucharistic celebrations, welcoming members of our extended family back to the area (those who live away but visit us at different parts of the year) and who are such great supporters of our church. Also, what has been so special is the church being open all day and every day - offering a welcome, a place of hospitality, an opportunity to rest a while in beautiful surroundings, lighting candles, listening to music and of course the chance to pause and to pray. What plans does the church have for this Christmas? At the moment we are planning for Christmas and during this very special period, again our church will be open to offer all those things that I have just mentioned but with the Christmas atmosphere - the
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tree, Christmas candles, carols, the manger and so forth. There will also be our services - Sunday evening the 19th of December our Carol service at 6pm, Christmas Eve Carols at the Aqua Beach Bar at 2pm, the Midnight Mass at 11-30. Then on Christmas morning a Christmas Day Eucharist at 10am......... and as Boxing Day this year falls on a Sunday (!) there will be a morning Eucharist at 10am. I have a funny feeling it’ll be quiet !!! But all are welcome at each and all of our services. Do you have to be religious/a Christian to join in with events at St Pedrog’s? Christmas is one of those special occasions when our nation pauses and joins the Christian family in this marvellous celebration. Year after year we welcome people of all traditions and it is so special to offer that Christmas hospitality - all are welcome at St Pedrog’s .......... not just at Christmas but at all times. Remember, those gathered around that first manger were from different traditions - some were Jews, some came from the East and some were probably seekers. What should we remember this Christmas? I think I mentioned last year that one of the things I enjoy doing every Christmas is leading our local school
PHOTO: THERE IS A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AS NORMAL ACTIVITIES RESUME AT THE CHURCH THIS CHRISTMAS BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
Christmas services - some of them in church and some of them in the schools. For many years I have collected Christmas cards that people have sent me and arrange them into sets - the shepherds, the wise men, the Holy Family, the angels and the manger - and I choose one particular set and share them with the children and tell the story. This year it will be the Manger - the Nativity scene where all the characters are gathered to celebrate. When I reflect on that scene I always want to emphasise that the manger is a place of meeting between Divinity (God) and Humanity (us) - between God and his children. Some Christmas cards include the words ‘Love came down at Christmas’ - this is what the manger was in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. It is as if God in the coming (birth) of Christ to be born into this world was a real humble ‘emptying of divinity, of holiness, and at the same time an elevation of humanity’. God and us united - nobody left out. Christ is born at Christmas so that God can become man and we can become Holy. God finds year after year, Christmas after Christmas - just like on that first one - a new meeting place for the Divine and the human to be together in Love. How can we help those feeling loss this Christmas? By simply welcoming them into the celebration. Around that first manger a gathering of strangers occurred the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, the lookers on, even the Holy Family did not know each other and some of them were frightened, feeling alone or lost,
PHOTO: THE VENERABLE ANDREW CAROLL JONES AT ST PEDROG’S CHURCH IN LLANBEDROG BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
confused as to what was actually happening - that changed then when all were welcomed at the manger; that changes today when all are welcomed in church at this special time. Are Father Christmas and God friends? What a good question!!!! Depending who I am talking to I would have a different answer: yes, to small children who love Father Christmas; maybe, to those children growing up and not quite sure about the shift from believing in Santa or not, but I would elaborate a little; yes, again, to those who love the principle of Santa and all he stands for - kindness, joy, welcome, generosity, happiness - but with a huge dose of elaboration as the principles of Santa are very precious and we as adults are called to imitate them but also to recognise as ‘Santa Principles’ are really the gifts of God - those gifts he poured onto the manger on that first Christmas Day. What are you looking forward to in 2022? As I write this I am hoping for signs of the beginnings of a better world - for our little ‘Santa Fans’ to grow up in a world that is secure, safe and peaceful - peace was at the heart of the song that the angels sang on that first Christmas morning. But, we all have a role to play not just the leaders of our world - come on friends let’s do it........ that is certainly going to be at the heart of our Christmas prayers in St Pedrog’s Church this year. | 11
Step
BY ZOE LEWTHWAITE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OUTWEST IMAGES
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS GROTTO This Christmas interiors feature brings you out to your garden — yes, it may be cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t still cuddle up next to a fire pit, roast some marshmallows and enjoy a nice, hot cup of mulled wine surrounded by twinkling light amongst the tree’s. Whether it be relaxing with a book on a dry, crisp late afternoon or giving your little elves the fun task of preparing for Santa’s arrival. Make the most of your shed? summer house? And step outside into your own winter WONDERLAND
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CH RIS T M AS INT E RIORS
Layer soft furnishings to create depth through a mixture of textures and a balance of rich colours and light accents. The rattan chair adds to the nature of the outdoors whilst the red and orange, earthy tones of the cushions add richness and warmth amongst the soft candlelight.
Cwt Tatws - Large Nadu Leather Pouf - £495 Tyddyn Sachau - Artificial Christmas Tree - £99 Kin & Co - Wrapping Paper - £2 or 3 for £5 Cwt Tatws - Ometti Giant Round Gold Bauble - £29.50 V & R - French Small Window Mirror - £62.50 Abersoch Garden Centre - Large Silver Lantern - £150 Cwt Tatws - Karru Cotton Velvet Stocking - £32.50 Lavender House - Large Rattan Chair - £495 Lavender House - Ethnic Orange Rectangle Cushion - £45 V&R - Velvet Coral Cushion - £50 V&R - Sheepskins - £49.99 V&R - Olive Wool Throw - £POA Lavender House - Open Sided Lantern - £49.00 Abersoch Garden Centre - Round Wooden Table Set - £230.00
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CH RIS T M AS INT E RIORS
The volume of greenery and hanging garlands convey a sense of venture and mystery, pulling you into the summerhouse creating a warm, cocooning feel. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to decorating a Christmas tree, the more wild the better or some may want to opt for a more minimal sleek look and stick to a colour theme. Either way, try gathering a mixture of textured decorations to add more appeal and interest. See how the glass of the baubles reflect the twinkling light and the matte finishes add softness, working your eyes from one decoration to the other. Decorations are something we keep over time, boxed and then brought out each year. Some old some new, some may tell a story or hold memories. Either way, every decoration is unique in its own way and make for a meaningful Christmas gift to someone special that they can bring out year after year. A welsh, woolen throw, soft sheepskin or decorative lantern would also be a perfect gift for someone wanting to add something special to their interiors.
Cwt Tatws - Eliza Baubles Gold (Set 0f 4) - £18.50 Cwt Tatws - Dew Drop Baubles Antique gold - £1.95 ea Cwt Tatws - Christmas Wreath - £39.99 Lavender House - Antique Christmas Lantern - £38 Cwt Tatws - Afghan Cushions - £55 ea V & R - Small Christmas Star Tree Decoration - £10.99 V & R - Large Christmas Star Tree Decoration - £13.50 V & R - Pine Cone Tree Decoration - £8.99 V & R - Pumpkin Tree Decoration - £2.79
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MARCHING TOWARDS THE LIGHT THE PILGRIMAGE OF
YSGOL ABERSOCH WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUKE PILLING
PHOTO: A FINAL ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER FOR THE STAFF AND PUPILS OF YSGOL ABERSOCH.
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PHOTO: YSGOL ABERDOCH: TILLY, NATALIE, CHARLOTTE, ROSALYN, BOBBY, VERA, LINDA, MAISIE, LLINOS, MANSA. BY: LUKE PILLING
PHOTO: SADLY ABERSOCH’S PRAYERS TO SAVE OUR SCHOOL WENT UNANSWERED BY: LUKE PILLING
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sunshine, miraculously beamed down from the heavens upon the brave little crew.
Headteacher Linda Jones’s personal strength throughout the last couple of years, dealing with unimaginable family grief yet still fighting the long battle to save the school, is beyond remarkable. Her responsibility to those in her care is humbling. Her compassion for her children makes the decision all the more tragic, she is everything a parent could possibly dream of in a Head Teacher. Her final act of extraordinariness was to take the school on a pilgrimage to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), on an astonishing concluding adventure, a truly symbolic and unforgettable journey for them all.
When darkness fell this winter and hope for their school was lost, Mrs Jones marched onwards with her little soldiers, straight towards the light. Never underestimate the power of a welsh woman on a mission. The chapter may have come to an end but it feels as though the story is far from over…
hristmas wishes have fallen on deaf ears for Ysgol Abersoch, as the final (and particularly Scrooge-like) decision to close the school on New Year’s Eve was upheld. However, the spirits of the staff and children at this beloved, unique and very special school have only strengthened throughout the adversities - thanks to the pure enthusiasm and innocence of the children, protected by the fierce determination of the staff not to let the grief of the village touch these joyous souls.
After a cancellation and fears that they may not make it (due to the apocalyptic October gales leaving only one last day possible for the boat to make the crossing) the clouds parted and unexpected blue skies, along with the whole month’s worth of
The exuberant children unaware of the significance of the journey, simply brimming with the excitement of the adventure. Their devout teachers in need of the transient experience to remove them from the anguish of loss, to transport them from the bitter politics of economics and to connect them with a deeper magic. This was time to allow them to rejoice and feel their true splendour, recognise their achievements and their remarkable commitment, a time to be anointed in their successes.
Abersoch Life Spring Edition will be featuring an in-depth article on Ysgol Abersoch, the history, the politics, the people and the possibilities. For a chance to meet Mrs Jones, her fantastic staff and engaging children, please join them for a coffee morning at the school on 17th December. Follow the Ysgol Abersoch Facebook page for more information. | 19
DREAMS COME TRUE! Abersoch’s surfing champion spreading the love for adaptive surfing WORDS BY KEVIN BELL
PHOTO: SUPERWOMAN IN THE WAVES BY: OWAIN LLYWELYN MORRIS
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PHOTO: LLYWELYN TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS BY: OWAIN LLYWELYN MORRIS
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BERSOCH’S VERY OWN ADAPTIVE SURFING CHAMPION, LLYWELYN WILLIAMS, HAS FOUGHT HARD TO COME BACK FROM A LIFE-CHANGING INJURY TO CLIMB TO THE VERY TOP OF THE ADAPTIVE SURFING TREE. HE’S GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE HELP HE’S RECEIVED ALONG THE WAY TO MOVE HIM FORWARD ALONG HIS JOURNEY AND IS KEEN TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK.
PHOTO: PURE JOY IN THE WAVES BY: OWAIN LLYWELYN MORRIS
PHOTO: SMILES ALL DAY BY: OWAIN LLYWELYN MORRIS
Which is why in early October, Porth Neigwl saw a flurry of activity one busy Saturday morning as a group of volunteers assembled to put together Abersoch’s first Adaptive Surfing Day, led by Llywelyn. The gazebos kindly loaned by Offaxis were soon erected, providing shelter and changing facilities for participants and volunteers as well as a safe home for the food generously donated the Sun Inn in Llanengan. Surfability UK made the journey up from South Wales to make sure everyone was in safe hands in the water having enjoyed the generous hospitality 22 | ABERSOCH LIFE MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2021
of Cilan Uchaf who provided a comfy place for the night, along with great views. Four surfers took it in turns to head into the water using the specially adapted surfboard, managed by the two Bens from Surfability, with help from local volunteers to keep everyone safe in the water. Everything ran smoothly and you only have to look at the smiles of Dafydd Pilling, Amanda Morris, Steff Williams and Lewis Walker, and their families and friends, captured by locally born photographer Owain Llewelyn Morris, to see how great a success the day was. Llywelyn has been asked if there will be another event and the answer is a resounding yes! He’s currently chasing more titles across the globe but just as soon as the water warms up again next Spring, planning will begin for the next event. Keep an eye on the social media pages of main sponsors of the day, Hopalong Clothing and The Mailing Room, for more news. We will be there to capture more smiles – congratulations everybody on a fantastic day!
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ABERSOCH
DUNKERS
PHOTO: READY STEADY DUNK SPLASHING THROUGH 2021 BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
ONE YEAR ON
A word from founders Emma Wood and Harry Cavill
SO AS FOUNDING MEMBERS OF ABERSOCH DUNKERS, WE’VE BEEN ASKED TO DESCRIBE HOW WE FEEL ABOUT CELEBRATING A WHOLE YEAR OF SWIMMING TOGETHER AND THE WORDS THAT IMMEDIATELY SPRING TO MIND ARE ‘PROUD’ AND COMPLETELY ‘OVERWHELMED’ OF THE COLD-WATER SWIMMING COMMUNITY WE’VE ALL TOGETHER CREATED. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT IT IS, A REAL COMMUNITY, A GROUP OF ALL AGES THAT COME TOGETHER TO ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF SEA SWIMMING, THERE FOR THE ROUTINE, DAILY CHAT, SMILES AND THE GENERAL UPS AND DOWNS OF THE PAST UNPRECEDENTED YEAR. ENJOYING THAT PRECIOUS HALF HOUR EVERY MORNING THAT SEEMS TO KICK START OUR DAY PERFECTLY. Where do we start a whole year? It’s quite emotional when we really think about it, at a time when we all probably needed it more than we
PHOTO: CELEBRATIONS AND THANKS TO THE ABERSOCH DUNKERS FOUNDERS EMMA AND HARRY BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
thought, beginning with a tiny seed of an idea and the power of social media and word of mouth, our little group has grown to over 40 regular dippers. Together we’ve experienced all the seasonal changes of the year such as decreasing water temperatures, snow,
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ice and extreme conditions along with the moments of shared silences enjoying the simple joys of a perfect sunrise. We regularly discuss the weather conditions and make each other aware of the cold water risks yet reap all the safety benefits of our daily
PHOTO: AS COLD WATER SWIMMING GAINED POPULARITY THE ABERSOCH DUNKERS BECAME THE MOST POPULAR GROUP IN THE VILLAGE BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
swim and dipping as a group. Over this past year friendships have been made that have seen all the highs and lows from birthdays, marathons, celebrations, house moves, injuries, births, weddings, illnesses, a new support for each other’s businesses and even Dunkers days out to beautiful Snowdonia lakes and secret pools, but what is important to mention is the money that has been raised by certain Abersoch Dunkers members, maybe taken on as an individual monthly challenge but supported daily by the whole group to reach their target and fundraising goal. Over the past year over £10,000 (and still counting) has been raised for various charities such as Cancer Research and the Alzheimer’s Society, and they will all agree with us in saying that every penny is truly a humble and joint group achievement. It always brings a smile thinking of the 1st time dunker, all nervous, tiptoeing into the sea, wondering why they said yes and fast forward to themselves as a seasoned Abersoch
PHOTO: THE WATER MAY BE COLD BUT THE ATMOSPHERE IS ALWAYS WARM WITH THE DUNKERS BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
Dunker, excitedly running into the sea, smiling in all weathers, completely addicted with their changing/warmup methods completely dialled. We’ll let you into a little secret, you don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer, often we barely swim any distance, so come and join us, everyone welcome, we’re a friendly bunch, here for the coldwater swimming benefits along with the love, laughs, encouragement and
unbelievable camaraderie of this very special little group.
Love Emma & Harry | 25
WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE
PHOTO: WHATEVER THE SEASON, INDULGENT ICE CREAM IS ALWAYS IN DEMAND AT TWO ISLANDS BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
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S MANY OF THE VILLAGE DREAM OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS, OF DUSTY MOUNTAINS AND SLOPES BLANKETED IN FRESH POWDERY SNOW, WE THOUGHT WHO BETTER TO CHANNEL THE ICE GODS THAN ABERSOCH’S VERY OWN JACK FROST? WE SNUCK BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE INDULGENT POWERHOUSE KNOWN AS TWO ISLANDS TO CHAT TO THE KING OF ICE-CREAM…ALL HAIL! IT’S JACK POLLITT.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUCH ANTICIPATED NEW CAFE? WHAT DOES IT OFFER AND WHO ARE THE TEAM BEHIND ITS CREATION AND STUNNING DESIGN? The new expansion sees additional indoor seating for coffee and cake with access into the ice cream parlour also. This means guests can come and enjoy all three of our offerings (coffee, cake & ice cream) together. The design has been done by ourselves - the aim was to preserve some of the history of the old bank such as the parquet and checkerboard flooring whilst introducing a fresh aesthetic. A lot of the contours and lighting choices pay homage to the Art Deco era in which the bank was built. Design consultation was provided by Tristan Francis of Studio Francis, and joinery work by Mark Duckworth a local woodwork wizard.
PHOTO: JACK LOVES EXPERIMENTING WITH UNUSUAL FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ICE CREAM EXPERT? A lot of trial and error. Some initial training was provided by our machine suppliers from Italy, however the quest to create the perfect scoop continues. HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH YOUR EXCITING FLAVOURS? We take a lot of inspiration from our travels to ice cream parlours in the U.S. so big bold flavours and lots of inclusions - think chocolate painted cookies, pie crust and almond praline. We also work closely with our green grocer and other local growers who provide us with seasonal fruit and veg at its peak which we roast and blend into our signature base, or make jams and compotes from to preserve it at its best. WHAT ARE YOUR MOST UNUSUAL FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS AND WHICH IS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL? One of the most unusual combinations but also one of the most requested since its rare two appearances is; avocado ice cream with tomatillo marmalade. This was a collaboration with our friends at the Mexican restaurant Pontoon Pwllheli. We took their lime heavy tomatillo marmalade (tomatillos are like green tomatoes but taste like gooseberries) and rippled it through avocado based ice cream laced with habanero for a delayed heat.
PHOTO: THE STYLISH NEW CAFE AREA IS A STUNNING NEW EXPANSION BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
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PHOTO: SMOOTH AND RICH, NONE NEGOTIONABLE BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
PHOTO: ONLY THE FINEST INGREDIENTS MAKE THE SCOOP BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
PHOTO: WHEN THE CUSTOMERS LEAVE, JACK AND LAURA OFTEN WORK LATE PREPARING DELIGHTS FOR THE NEXT DAY. BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
HAVE YOU HAD ANY BIG FLAVOUR FAILS? Earl Grey. Wonderfully creamy, delicate black tea flavour balanced with lemon verbena. People like to drink it but not as a scoop apparently. WHAT MAKES AN EXCEPTIONAL ICE CREAM? It’s got to be smooth, and it’s got to be rich. We’re not about ‘light’ ice cream - it’s suppose to be a treat. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE TRYING TO MAKE ICE CREAM AT HOME? Invest in good equipment and a couple of good books. David Lebovitz - The Perfect Scoop is a good place to start. WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR US THIS CHRISTMAS AT TWO ISLANDS? A selection of Christmas special flavours in the ice cream and cake counters, along with a few edible gifts to give to loved ones. WHAT IS YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH 2021? For communities and families to be together and safe.
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PHOTO: AT LAST, MORE SPACE TO ENJOY THE FINEST TREATS WITH FRIENDS. BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
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CHIN CHIN! What to be drinking on the Llŷn?
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UPPLY CHAINS AND SHORTAGES ARE REPLACING LOCKDOWNS THIS YEAR, AND THE STRESS MAY HAVE LEFT MANY REACHING FOR THE BOTTLE! HERE ON THE LLŶN PENINSULA THOUGH, WE TRY NOT TO BOTHER OURSELVES WITH SUCH CALAMITIES, WE CAN ALWAYS RELY ON OUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS TO INNOVATE AND ADAPT TO KEEP US WELL FED, FUELLED AND SATURATED THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVE SEASON. WE CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL EXPERT DEAN PRITCHARD FROM GWIN LLŶN WINES TO FIND OUT THE BEST WAY TO WET OUR WHISTLES THIS CHRISTMAS.
BREXIT/PANDEMIC/FLOODS - HOW IS OUR ALCOHOL SUPPLY CHAIN COPING THIS CHRISTMAS? HOW HAS IT EFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY? The supply chain is being stretched to the limit at the moment, now that we are in a post Brexit world wines being imported from Europe are taking longer to arrive and process. For example, pre Brexit a container of wine would arrive at the docks, it would be collected and transported to a bonded storage facility and processed, this procedure would usually take 48 hours. Now this same procedure can take up to a week. The knock on effect for the importers we deal with coupled with the on going issues of the pandemic, has meant that we are experiencing a never seen before level of unavailable wines. We have had to react to this situation by being flexible in our wine choices to ensure our shelves remain full. But don’t worry, our importers are increasing the amount of stock they have in the UK so we will be able to supply wine for all this Christmas come Brexit, Pandemic or floods we will deliver.
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WHICH WINE REGIONS ARE EXCELLING THIS YEAR? South Africa and the South of France, both these areas are producing world class wines made by exciting young wine makers who are not afraid to push the boundaries of wine making. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS A GIFT FOR A WINE CONNOISSEUR THIS CHRISTMAS? Every wine connoisseur should have a two pronged “Butler’s Friend” cork screw which is ideal for removing corks from older vintage wines. Include a bottle of Chateau Musar from the Lebanon and you have the perfect gift fit for any wine connoisseur. BEST WINE TO HAVE WITH THE TURKEY THIS YEAR? The best wine to have with turkey for your Christmas meal is your favourite wine, whatever it is. The most important thing to remember is that there are no hard and fast rules for Christmas so drink whatever you enjoy. But for guidance if you prefer lighter reds try a Pinot Noir or Grenache for heavier reds try one from the Rhone - Gigondas, Cairanne or Chateauneuf du Pape. With regard to white wine go for a full blooded Chardonnay.
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WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS FOR BUBBLY THIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR? Everyone loves a glass of fizz at Christmas, Champagne is the pinnacle but the offers may be thin on the ground this year as there is a shortage of Champagne. Cremant is always a good option as is Cava. For red wine drinkers a bottle of sparkling Shiraz is always a winner and for something different try a glass of Fresita, this Chilean sparkling wine is blended with Patagonian strawberries and is only 8% abv, it’s a good alternative to Bucks-Fizz on Christmas morning.
ANY EXCITING NEW PRODUCERS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? Locally, the Afallon Gin distillery on Anglesey are doing really well, their Gin has recently been awarded “Best in Britain” in the 2021 Gin Guide awards.The rums from the Anglesey Rum Company are definitely worth trying and wine wise Chris and Andrea Mullineux from South Africa are making some outstanding wines and gaining a world wide following. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL IPA? Has to be Porth Neigwl from Cwrw Llyn SWAP YOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC FOR A… …white unoaked Rioja SWAP YOUR ARGENTINIAN MALBEC FOR A… …Italian Primitivo IF YOU COULD ONLY DRINK ONE WINE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? It would have to be Pinot Noir, there are so many facets to this wine you could never tire of it. Old world or New world it is delicious.
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s r e e h CMERRY&
CHRISTMAS!
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ABERSOCH. WORDS BY KEVIN BELL
PHOTO: THERE WERE DEFINTELY A LOT MORE BARS & BRIGHT LIGHTS THAN THE VILLAGE SHE KNEW AS A CHILD BY: TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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T
he envelope landed on the mat with a satisfying thump – some serious content in there. Alice ran to the door, grabbed the package, and sprinted up the stairs to her bedroom. Ripping open the parcel revealed a sheet of cream notepaper with a carefully typewritten heading: ‘Plans for our Abersoch Trip 1969 – Sarn Farm Campsite’. With a shake of the envelope, a collection of photographs and notes spilled onto the bed. Reminders of last summers 1968 trip and plans for this summer’s holiday in their favourite place. The photos of last years trip were already a little faded, adding a sweet sense of history to the special memories. Alice leafed through prints showing the sunshine, the scorched brown grass of the campsite from the heatwave they’d enjoyed, the sands, the waves, her dads little sailing boat and the litter of squealing pink piglets in the barn. Always in the foreground, in their bright summer clothes, were Alice and David. He was her best friend and the sender of the carefully plotted plans she was now reading for the summer of ‘69. Twelve-year-olds last summer, they would be teenagers by the time they were knocking the tent pegs into the Sarn Farm turf this year.
This was one of her favourite parts of the year, almost better than the holiday itself. Reading and re-reading David’s carefully planned itinerary for what had always been their ‘Abersoch week’ and what was an even longer, more detailed plan for their first ever ‘Abersoch fortnight.’ She would make some amendments and suggestions then post them to David until they had an agreed plan. ‘Posting’ rather stretched the definition since he lived next door, but they would never keep to the plans anyway, rather they gave some substance and added a keen sense of endless possibilities to their shared anticipation. Her family - the Millers, and David’s - the Hunters, in adjoining tents on the emerald green farmers fields behind Abersoch beach. Always sunlit in her memories, always framed by blue skies in the pictures she now clutched close to her chest.
PHOTO: THEIR CHILDHOOD PLAYGROUND - THE BEACH DOWN FROM SARN BACH BY: NOCK SANDY
A Saturday in late July to a Sunday in mid August – maximum pleasure, a fortnight stretched to fifteen days of sandcastles, ice-creams, crabbing, wave-riding, sailing, sunshine, and her favourite people. Plans finalised, the weeks and months rolled on until finally the day arrived. The white Ford Cortina packed to its red vinyl roof with a summer’s worth of clothes, sleeping bags, pillows, and slightly leaky airbeds. The little Mirror dinghy sitting proudly on the trailer behind, similarly filled to the gunwales with sailing and camping gear, tents, plywood belly boards and all the beach paraphernalia a fortnight in paradise demanded.
The journey had developed a template over the ten years the two families had made it together. Driving in convoy across Cheshire, the Hunter’s Austin Maxi taking up the rear until they hit the coast road in North Wales. Slowing to a snail’s pace in the summer holiday traffic, taking a tea break on the shore at Penmaenmawr where David would jump into the Millers car so he and Alice could share the second half of the journey, talking excitedly as the familiar villages, towns and glimpses of the sea slipped by. The highlight of the journey was cresting the rise above Pwllheli and for the first time looking down on ‘their’ seaside, bathed in the
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PHOTO: THE VILLAGE WAS SIMULTANEOUSLY ALMOST COMPLETELY DIFFERENT & YET SOMEHOW ABSOLUTELY THE SAME
spotless sunlight of the golden days of childhood, their summer plans simultaneously falling into place and collapsing into delightful chaos as the prospect of the sea and the sands worked its faithful magic. Where did those days go, thought Alice, as she crested that same rise fifty years later, the bay below now lit by a cool, late winter, afternoon light. Where did David go? Where did she go for that matter? That summer had been both the best, and the beginning of an end. Old enough to sail out together to the islands without their parents, to wander over to go belly boarding at Porth Neigwl, the waves, the wildness, and the sense of an adventure making it their favourite, special beach. But also old enough to recognise a different, slightly frightening dynamic. Holding hands down to the beach in the way they had faithfully done across the years suddenly seemed both a wonderful, emotion-weighted notion and a terrible, excruciatingly embarrassing idea. Is there anything more fragile, yet truer, than the barely recognised, consciously unacknowledged, love that can creep up on two teenagers
who have grown up together? Except perhaps the desperate fragility Alice now felt as she tried to find love again in her sixties. They had been too young and too wrapped up in a shared childhood to know how to move their relationship forward, too old to let the subtle shift slip by unnoticed. Then David’s family had moved to a seaside town on the South coast of England, a long trek in those days that Alice had made only once, the winter after that final Abersoch trip where everything had quietly changed. They had some good times together that week by a very different sea, riding the near deserted out-of-season funfair rides into the winter dusk, sharing a burger in the towns shiny new Wimpy Bar, but an awkwardness had grown between them, something they shared, yet couldn’t share. A combination of that paralysing teenage angst and their changed circumstances meant that, inconceivable though it may have seemed as inseparable youngsters, they had never seen each other again. For years they wrote long letters, sharing the minutiae of their lives but never finding the courage to share the feelings that the heavy weight of time was now in any case sucking away from them. The awkwardness
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of teenage years, and their freighted history, had convinced them both that it would be too difficult to meet up again. Letters turned into birthday and Christmas cards, until eventually all that was left were postcards from the special places they visited around the world on their travels. At least in those exchanges they found a happy echo of their shared past, something that always made each recipient smile. They didn’t discuss it, it just kind of happened, as somehow, however exotic the location, they agreed on a format where their postcards always carried the same, simple message, “It’s great! But it’s not Abersoch.” As these things do, even that came to an end. Their teens turned into their twenties, life took over, jobs got in the way, relationships developed, children arrived, and holidays became altogether less glamorous. Those postcards didn’t seem so funny anymore, until one year somewhere in the mid 1980’s, sound-tracked by the New Romantics, they tailed off altogether.
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s a m t s i r Ch
GIFT GUIDE
Ceramic Mug - FIRST LIGHT £11.00 | Belt - FIRST LIGHT - £32.00 | Nightware Cami Set - FIRST LIGHT - £30.00 | Anne Smith Large Silver Starburst - PLAS GLY Y WEDDW - £15 | Aerona ‘Berry Liqueur’ - PLAS GLYN Y WEDDW - £27 | Wanderlust Pearl Earrings - FIRST LIGHT - £40.00 | Persimmon Knit Jumper - FIRST LIGHT £55.00 | Beanies - FIRST LIGHT - £30.00 | Mia Sugar Almond Bag - FIRST LIGHT - £89.99 | Head Bands - FIRST LIGHT - £14.00 | Willie Carter Side-Plate - PLAS GLYN Y WEDDW - £63.00 | 39 Hair Bobbles - FIRST LIGHT - £3.00 | Blundstone Boots - FIRST LIGHT - £145.00
CH RIS T M AS GIFT GUID E
Penny Surf Skate - BOARDRIDER - £175 | Electric DW03 SS Watch - OFFAXIS - £350 | 3 PK Crew Boxers - Crew Clothing - £21.75 DryRobe Advance Camo - ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS - £160 | Waveline Auto Focus Binoculars - ABERSOCH BOATYARD - £40.00 Urban Slim Tri-Fold Wallet - TEMPLETON JONES - £85 | Huskee Recycled Cup - KIN & Co - £POA Catchsurf Odysea x Lost Surf Board - OFFAXIS - £390 Gill Race Team Bag - ABERSOCH BOATYARD - £59.95 Osprey Wetsuit Hood - ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS - £22.99 | Coco Loco Wetsuit Cleaner - ABERSOCH SURF SHOP - £9.99
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CHR I S T MAS G I F T G U I D E
Jo Porter shoulder bag - £115 Anvil Pottery Jug - £90 Angela Bell vase - £55 Willie Carter Jug - £130 Jo Porter Driftwood Basket - £53 All available at the Plas Glyn Y Weddw PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUKE PILLING
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CH RIS T M AS GIFT GUID E
LAVENDER HOUSE - #Abersoch Sign- £35.00 ABERSOCH LIFE - Outwest Photo Framed Print - £99.00 ABERSOCH GIN - Abersoch Gin - £38.00 PLAS GLYN Y WEDDW - Louise Hall Blue Vase - £90.00 PREN - Wood & Resin chopping Board - £90.00 ABERSOCH LIFE - Annual Magazine Subscription - £12.50 ABERSOCH LIFE - Outwest Photo Book - £20.00 LAVENDER HOUSE - Tree Of Life - £35.00 LAVENDER HOUSE - Wooden Stag - £29.00 LAVENDER HOUSE - Magnetic Paper Angel - £8.00 ABERSOCH LIFE - Abersoch Scented Candles - £18.50 FIRST LIGHT - Ceramic Mug - £11.00 LONDIS - Mince Pies - £2.85 COASTAL CULTURE - Hand Made Christmas Wreath - £65.00 PHOTOGRAPHY BY OUTWEST IMAGES & LUKE PILLING
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s a m t s i r Ch
FASHION
Alison Quilted Waistcoat - FIRST LIGHT - £42 | Ariana Devore Dress - WHITE STUFF - £85 | Eden Chipmunk Fleece Waistcoat - FIRST LIGHT - £60 | Gertrude Birch Long Knitted Pullover - FIRST LIGHT - £45 | Patagonia Cropped Overalls - WEST COAST SURF - £100 The Suffolk Fedora - TEMPLETON JONES - £97 | Pippa Black Multicolour Midi Dress - FIRST LIGHT - £75 Rosie Roll Neck Dress - FAT FACE - £69 | Jalvilda Dress - FIRST LIGHT - £65
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s a m t s i r Ch
FASHION
Berkeley Zip Fleece - TEMPLETON JONES - £169.95 | Buchannon Check Shirt - JOULES - £59.95 | Patagonia Hi Loft Down Jacket - WEST COAST SURF - £240 | Halesworth Quilted Fleece Lined Gilet - JOULES - £45 | Helly Hansen Hooded Jacket - ABERSOCH BOATYARD - £140 Patagonia Flannel Shirt - WEST COAST SURF - £80 | Ute Bag - TEMPLETON JONES - £195 | Chinchilla Boot - TEMPLETON JONES - £460 Perth Crew Neck Jumper - FAT FACE - £48
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CH RIS T M AS FAS HION
PHOTO BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
Coral star jumper £45 other colours available one size 10-20. | J’Adore handmade silver jewellery made in Abersoch sold instore Deep hammered Silver cuff £90, Moon necklace £49 | Bubble Ring £49. | Topaz silver ring £59 Fox bamboo socks £5.00 | Stretch Jeans £29 | ALL AVAILABLE AT LAVENDER HOUSE 48 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2021
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CH RIS T M AS FAS HION
PHOTO BY: OUTWEST PHOTO
J’Adore handmade silver jewellery made in Abersoch sold instore | Deep hammered silver cuff £90 | Moon necklace £49 | Bubble Ring £49 | Topaz silver ring £59 | Fox bamboo socks £5.00 | Stretch Jeans £29 | Necklace £25 Freesize roll neck jumper £45 other colours avail. | Scarf £25 | Camera bag £39 Interchangable straps £15 | Flower bamboo socks £15 | ALL AVAILABLE AT LAVENDER HOUSE 50 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2021
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PHOTO: A WINTER WONDERLAND BY: LUKE PILLING
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