CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2020 £FOC ABERSOCHLIFE.COM
Videos,Treatrse & e! id s n I o M h c u M
hop SLOCAL
hop SABERSOCH! The
St. Tudwal's Penguin Choir
l u f r e d n o W Time YEAR
IT’S THE MOST
s a m t s i r h CGIFTS
HAMPER FASHION ....AND MUCH MUCH MORE
OF THE
LLŶN WINES TOP TIPS FOR BOOZE THIS CHRISTMAS
ST. PEDROG’S CHURCH A SHINING LIGHT FOR MANY IN TIMES LIKE THESE
IMAGES | STORIES | FEATURES | ENJOY FROM YOUR HOME
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editorial@motorboatowner.co.uk
Motorboat Owner Š Digital Marine Media Ltd
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WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE
INTRODUCTION
CYFLWYNIAD
Finally, something we can all celebrate - it’s Christmas! Simply the most wonderful time of the year, when love is all around and an excitement for wishes that might just come true. As we eagerly anticipate the end of the rollercoaster of doom that was 2020, the festive season brings reflection on all the things that we are blessed with. Family and friends, the heartwarming reward of giving and receiving, cooking, eating and watching TV together. It’s when we show our appreciation for those we care about and look forward with hope to the New Year ahead.
O’r diwedd, rhywbeth i ni gyd ei ddathlu – mae’n Nadolig! Yr amser gorau o’r flwyddyn, pan mae cariad yn serennu a chyffro am ddymuniadau a allai ddod yn wir. Wrth i ni edrych ymlaen yn eiddgar at ddod â phryder di-ben-draw 2020 i ben, daw’r ŵyl â chyfle i ni gyfrif ein bendithion. Teulu a ffrindiau, y pleser twymgalon o roddi a derbyn, coginio, bwyta a gwylio’r teledu gyda’n gilydd. Dyna pryd y dangoswn ein gwerthfawrogiad am ein hanwyliaid ac edrych ymlaen gyda gobaith at y Flwyddyn Newydd o’n blaenau.
Shiny decorations, bright fires, glowing smiles and gifts all around. It’s a time of excess in all the right ways, of feeling and spreading joy. Unified celebration lifts the soul and we have put together a special festive magazine edition to get you in the mood for Christmas. Gift ideas from Abersoch, yuletide stories, catching up with our local Archdeacon, a booze review and more; sending our love and keeping the sleepy village in your heart at this special time.
Addurniadau’n sgleinio, tanau cynnes, gwenau disglair ac anrhegion i bawb. Mae’n adeg gormodedd yn y ffyrdd cywir, teimlo a lledaenu hapusrwydd. Mae dathlu unedig yn dyrchafu’r enaid ac rydym wedi rhoi rhifyn Nadoligaidd o’r cylchgrawn at ei gilydd i’ch paratoi at hwyl yr ŵyl. Syniadau am anrhegion o Abersoch, straeon Nadoligaidd, dal i fyny â’r Arddiacon lleol, adolygu diodydd a mwy; anfonwn ein cofion a chadwch y pentref cysglyd yn eich calon ar yr adeg arbennig hon.
Here the quiet dark nights elevate the starry skies to majestic levels. A silence on the peninsula as we look to the heavens and listen out for the magical sound of the sleigh bells.
Yma mae’r nosweithiau tywyll tawel yn codi’r awyr serennog i lefelau gogoneddus. Daw distawrwydd dros y penrhyn wrth i ni edrych tua’r ffurfafen a gwrando am sŵn hudolus y clychau.
Peace on Earth and goodwill to all and a very Merry Christmas from us all at Abersoch Life Magazine.
PHOTO: NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS FROM ABERSOCH’S INNER HARBOUR BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
Boed Heddwch ar y Ddaear ac ewyllys da i bawb a Nadolig Llawen iawn oddi wrthym i gyd yng Nghylchgrawn Abersoch Life.
CONTENTS ABERSOCH MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2020
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CHRISTMAS HAMPER
CHRISTMAS MESSAGES
Filled with loads of fantastic local produce for the festive season.
Videos of Santa, his elves and the Abersoch RNLI Sea Dip.
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ST PEDROG ’S
Rebecca talks to the much loved Reverend Andrew Jones, also known as Archdeacon of Meirionnydd
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ABERSOCH RNLI NEW YEARS DAY DIP
A fascinating insight into the thoughts and memories of the Abersoch RNLI Crew & team about this memorable day.
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CHRISTMAS STORY
The St. Tudwal’s Penguin Choir written by Kevin Bell.
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Abersoch’s main beach turns picturebook with a rare covering of snow.
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SHOP LOCAL, SHOP ABERSOCH
YSGOL ABERSOCH
Our favourite little school with lots of fantastic little people.
Taken by Martin Turtle - TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY
How to support your favourite Abersoch businesses this Christmas.
24 EXECUTIVE EDITOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kevin Bell kevin@sensationgroup.com
Luke Pilling
EDITOR
ILLUSTRATOR
Rebecca Hinde rebecca@sensationgroup.com
Chloe Breeze
Katie Atherton katie@sensationgroup.com
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
FINANCE MANAGER
FEATURE EDITORS Lowri Llewelyn Bethany Birch
STAFF WRITER Louise Overfield James Noon
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Katie Atherton Sioned Jones
Phill Boyd (outwestimages.myportfolio.com) John Wormald (totallyabersoch.co.uk) Martin Turtle (turtlephotography.co.uk) Luke Pilling (ABERSAPP) Eilir Davies-Hughes (eiliradventurephotography.co.uk)
ALL ADVERTISING Printed & online mark@sensationgroup.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Tracy Brient
MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Durston
SENSATION GROUP CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Euron Jones
Rose Cottage Abersoch Gwynedd LL53 7DS Tel: 01758 710011 / www.abersochlife.com
All material is copyright and should not be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. All details are correct to the best of our knowledge. The publishers do not endorse or recommend any of the entries or advertisements in the magazine unless otherwise stated. We advise that you make your own judgments, enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. When contacting any business we suggest that you confirm the exact type of goods and services offered, the qualifications held and all other relevant aspects of the service that you are seeking. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the magazine, from errors, omissions, from claims made by the advertiser of from omissions or inaccuracies relating to advertisements or other material regardless of how caused.
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Rebecca Hinde catches up with rev Andrew Jones for a fascinating insight into what lockdown means to the church and his own life.
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THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
Gwin LlÅ·n Wines share their expert knowledge and opinions on which wines will make the festive season extra special.
36.
WINTER IN THE WAVES
Local watersports legends offer some essential knowledge to get yourself equipped this winter.
4 0.
ARTS COLUMN
Lowri Llewelyn has some iconic vintage posters to share with you.
4 2.
FASHION PREVIEW
Chunky knits, thick coats and bobble hats from our great selection of local shops.
4 4.
ABERSOCH CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Stocking fillers, homeware, pampering and outdoor adventure, Abersoch has it all in abundance. Why go anywhere else?
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FINAL POEM
Nadolig Llawen | Merry Christmas
s a m t s i r h CHAMPER ABERSOCH
C
elebrate and support Abersoch’s much-loved shop owners and local food producers this year and give the gift of a Welsh hamper! Pack it with treats available from across the village and widely used as ingredients at our finest hospitality venues. Buy Abersoch local no matter where you are. We pride ourselves on innovation and the 1 finest ingredients here on the Llŷn Peninsula, so spoil yourself and your loved ones this festive season.
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Coal Town Coffee - TWO ISLANDS - from £8
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Cathryn Cariad Dark Truffles - BLADES DELI -
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Coco Pzazz Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Bar - KIN & Co - £3.50
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Calon Lân Ale Chutney - BLADES DELI - £3.15
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All Butter Lemon Curd - WELSH LADY PRESERVES - £3.95
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Earl Grey Bara Brith - LITTLE TEA ROOMS - £10
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Heart Welsh Cakes (Pice ar y maen) Box Of 6 - LITTLE TEA ROOMS - £5
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8 Saucy Crackers - LAVENDER HOUSE - £7
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Boozy Miniatures (Barti Spiced Rum & Jin Môr) - KIN & Co - From £6
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Home Made Christmas Pudding - BLADES DELI - From £5
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East Of India Porcelain Heart - LAVENDER HOUSE - From £5.65
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HAMPER
ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL
THE SHINING LIGHT AT ST. PEDROG’S CHURCH, LLANBEDROG WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE
PHOTO: THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT FOR THE CONGREGATION OF ST. PEDROG’S BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
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PHOTO: REVEREND ANDREW JONE’S POSITIVITY RADIATES, HIS SMILE REASSURES BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
S
T. PEDROG’S CHURCH IS A BEAUTIFUL LOCAL LANDMARK, SAT IN A PICTURESQUE PART OF TREE-LINED LLANDEROG, WITHIN EARSHOT OF THE TRANQUIL SHORE. IT’S A PLACE MANY OF US OFTEN PASS WHILE WALKING AND NEARLY EVERY LOCAL, AS WELL AS MANY VISITORS, HAVE BEEN INSIDE TO CELEBRATE A WEDDING, ATTEND A BAPTISM OR TO SAY GOODBYE TO A LOVED ONE. THE CHURCH, FROM CHILDHOOD, (WHETHER WE ARE RELIGIOUS OR NOT) HAS BEEN A PART OF SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE AND HAPPY EVENTS IN OUR LIVES. IT HAS ALSO BEEN THERE TO HOLD US, TOGETHER AND UNITED, DURING THE MOST DIFFICULT TIMES. You could say St Pedrog’s was the originator of local life and community here. Arising as a place of worship in the 6th century, the church gave the village its name - Llanbedrog means the llan (walled enclosure) of Pedrog (from St. Pedrog who spread the Gospel in Wales).
to pay a visit to the beloved Reverend Andrew Jones after all, without Jesus and St Nicholas there wouldn’t be so much as a “Ho, Ho, Ho!” this December.
With the anticipation of Christmas on the horizon and the joy that this time of the year delivers, we simply had
Reverend Andrew Jones MA BD BTh MPhil is not just any old priest, he is Archdeacon of Meirionnydd. On meeting
with him you instantly know why he has been given the position of advisor, communicator, strategist, and pastoral carer across the largest geographical arch-deaconry in Britain. He exudes warmth and humour, his face beams while being bathed in the sudden, glorious winter sunlight that parted the heavy clouds above the church just as we arrived. I had forgotten that feeling of comfort that an authentic holy person emits. No matter
what your views on religion, a truly spiritual person of any faith has a deeply reassuring quality of what can only be described as love, and Andrew radiates it.
PHOTO: NEARLY EVERY LOCAL AND MANY TOURISTS HAVE ENTERED ST. PEDROG’S TO WORSHIP, CELEBRATE OR SAY GOOD BYE TO LOVED ONES BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
We have heard lately of the cancellations of weddings and restricted funerals and the huge disappointment to those booking these momentous events. The struggles of wedding planners and photographers, but not so much of the congregations and the vacuum that the closure of churches created in the lives of priests and parishioners. Andrew states 13 weddings had to be cancelled this year (but adds they have rebooked for next year with a smile) and laughs that he is not allowed to visit the schools, people’s homes or those in hospital. Although he declares these current facts in a jolly tone, it is obvious he has been deeply saddened by them but is genuinely optimistic that these times will pass. His hope comes not just from his faith but also from the community that surrounds him and the generations of people that have attended and supported the church, from locals to the many tourists who have married here. “I would drive a shiny red Ferrari around the village if I had received a penny for the number of times I hear, “My
grandparents used to come to Abersoch, my parents came to Abersoch, now we’re coming to Abersoch!” They come here to worship, the couples I marry, and they also bring their babies to be baptised.” The light pours through the brightly coloured glass of the windows as Andrew speaks. The church is completely empty but seems to come alive as we talk. The beautiful architecture and the art work designed to transcend, inspire and sometimes warn us, never fails in these places. Every part speaks of devotion, whether of faith or craft,
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of a respect for beauty and appreciation of its fragility. “The big thing for us, and this is a really serious thing, not all churches will survive this. I am hoping that mine will, partly because over the years we worked hard, and this is the rainy day. But then because this is a healthy parish we also have to support those other parishes that are not so healthy”. “The church didn’t qualify for government funding. Last year we raised £82,000 through fundraising and this year zero and our running
costs continue - actually it’s pretty serious.” I find this quite shocking, the thought that this place could be lost. You can feel Andrew dig deep, his hope will not falter, he is steadfast, that is his job. He is carrying congregations and priests through the most uncertain of times. I ask him if in times of trouble he feels closer to god or further away? “Oh closer, closer. That has been brought home to me, I spoke earlier on about people longing for the church to open, I longed for it as well. This church is like an extension of my house, an extension of my lounge and the penny dropped that god is closer. Certainly in times of crisis, you feel more dependent, closer,
yes. I was filled with a very unusual excitement when we were told we could open our doors again, that our churches could be open. It was a very, very unusual… unique actually…I don’t think I had ever experienced that, but it was a great sense of excitement and I remember the first mass we had here saying “welcome home”. Words we all are looking forward to this Christmas. “The unique thing about this pandemic is that it has effected every human being in the world, over 6 billion people have been effected and there is a sense of solidarity.” And of course the birth of Christ is the symbol
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of celebration and new beginnings, there is always a solidarity of feeling at this time of year and it is one of hope, or as Andrew so beautifully puts it: “Love comes down at Christmas, it is as if god up there has a huge silver jug and just pours down love upon us as Christmas.”
If you would like to help support St Pedrog’s Church prior to normal service being resumed please send any donations to: Rector and Church Wardens of Llanbedrog Sort Code: 54 30 21 Account: 04609085
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The
St. Tudwal's Penguin A CHRISTMAS STORY BY KEVIN BELL ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHLOE BREEZE
Choir
Huw, the retired zookeeper, pulled up a chair by the fire in his cottage in Abersoch and sat his grandson on his lap. “Charlie, would you like to hear a Christmas story?” he asked. “It’s a true story, and your grandad was part of it.” Charlie nodded excitedly. He loved his grandad’s stories as much as he loved Christmas. Well, many years ago, as winter arrived in Abersoch, if you had stood on the harbour wall and looked out across the bay, you would have seen snow falling high on the Welsh hills, the soft flakes gently coating the mountains in a magical white carpet. It carried on snowing through the Christmas month, growing heavier every day. Winter laid its snowy cloak across the villages of Snowdonia and along the shores of the River Dee, all the way down to the beautiful city of Chester. Christmas was in sight and still the snow fell, thicker and thicker. Roads were blocked, the streams and rivers filled with snow water and the people in the nearby villages and towns began to worry about floods. Finally, as everyone in Chester, and the animals in their zoo, enjoyed a white Christmas, the snows melted. The River Dee began to flood, rising higher than even Tom the Ferryman, the oldest man in Chester, had known. Higher and higher came the river, until its banks could take no more. The water poured across the fields and soon the city walls were surrounded by the floods. The penguins in Chester Zoo
huddled together on the highest point of their enclosure, watching as the waters came ever closer. The younger penguins were frightened, not for themselves, they were great swimmers, but for their friends the lion and tiger cubs. Some of the older penguins were more excited than worried. “How about a Christmas adventure?” said Parker, the famously naughty penguin, to his friend Pippa. Pippa’s eyes twinkled, she gave an excited little flap of her wings and nodded to Parker, who put a flipper to his lips to show it was their secret.
Ysgol
Abersoch WORDS BY LOUISE OVERFIELD
for local parents and is able to offer the full entitlement of 30 hours childcare.
O
ur unique village primary school has again highlighted why it is such an important part of our community. On November the 11th the children paid their respects to the fallen in the traditional way, an important part of their learning process. They had another very important job to do that day, as the teachers and children lined up to say a sad farewell to a friend of the school, Rob Smith, as he passed by on his lap of honour through of the village. Rob was hugely supportive of the school and the children. A talented musician, he had played a
benefit a gig in aid of the school. Rob was the manager of Abersoch Boatyard, he was always had a lot of time for the children, encouraging them to ask questions and answering them in his own inimitable way! The children are going to plant a tree and sing a song in the school garden in his memory. We will also be dedicating a feature to Rob in the Spring issue of Abersoch Life. The School and the Cylch (Nursery) are very much still open and are encouraging parents to consider sending their children to the school. The Cylch is a great resource
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Plans to introduce an Outdoor Beach School are still ongoing and the staff will do the necessary training just as soon as restrictions permit. The Beach School will offer all sorts of benefits, more so now than ever with outdoor activity recognised as a healthier alternative during the Covid pandemic. Meantime, the children are looking forward to brightening up the village with lots of Christmas lights around the school. For the annual Christmas performance, teachers and children are thinking outside of the box, ensuring the community will not miss out on this much-loved festive event. Please keep an eye on AbersochLife.com for news and updates!
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s a m t s i r Ch
MESSAGES
The resounding message from Abersoch this year is one of goodwill, hope and of giving. With our beloved festive activities all cancelled this year, the village has united to ensure Christmas 2020 will still be magical on the Peninsula. Father Christmas is arriving on the 13th December at 5pm and everyone has been busy preparing. Abersoch and District Trade and Tourism Association have donated 20 trees to local businesses and funded the iconic harbour Christmas tree this year. Shops and residents have pulled out all of the stops with their decorations and the High Street and all around looks glorious. The loss of the hugely popular RNLI New Year’s Day Dip means we are asking you to dip into your pockets and donate what you can here: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/abersoch-virtualdip Our lifeboat crews need our support now in preparation for the incredible season 2021 promises to be. We have some special messages from Santa himself below and you can even catch him water-skiing with the Idealboat crew! Merry Christmas from Abersoch and see you soon!
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ABERSOCH
RNLI NEW YEARS
DAY DIP
WORDS BY KEVIN BELL
W
ith the sad news that the pandemic has caused the RNLI New Years Day Dip to be cancelled, we thought our readers would enjoy a reflection on the history and tradition of the dip (as well as a few photos of some of the more memorable moments from previous Dips!). So, we’ve had a chat with some of the Abersoch Lifeboat Crew, the team behind the scenes and the equally wonderful folk who drive the fundraising right through the year, every year. The Abersoch RNLI play a vital role in keeping the folk who live, work, and visit here safe. They are always there for us, every minute of every day of the year. Ensuring that those who make their living from the sea here on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula and those who love to spend their leisure time in or on the water around sunny Abersoch can go about their time on the water confident that there is dedicated team in the background there for them when they need them...........
TO READ MORE INCLUDING QUOTES FROM THE CREW
Click Here!
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hop SLOCAL hop SABERSOCH! HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVOURITE ABERSOCH BUSINESSES THIS CHRISTMAS
WORDS BY KEVIN BELL
LET’S FACE IT, THIS IS GOING TO BE A STRANGE OLD CHRISTMAS. BUT WE CAN DEAL WITH IT, CAN’T WE? BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT ABERSOCH DOES – THIS SPECIAL LITTLE VILLAGE, OUT ON THE TIP OF THE LLŶN PENINSULA, SURROUNDED BY BLUE SEAS AND GOLDEN BEACHES, IS A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON ALL OUR LIVES. WHETHER WE LIVE HERE, VISIT EVERY WEEKEND, OR MAKE THE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE THAT SO MANY FAMILIES MAKE, IT’S OUR ‘HAPPY PLACE’. DESPITE THE CHALLENGE, IT’S DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!
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hospitality services with the warmth and respect they deserve over this challenging winter period. In return they are going to do everything they can to make you welcome. Keep an eye on the social media and websites of the individual businesses, but in short, the vast majority will be open and here for you. Their service may be a little different, whether it be takeaway or eating-in, but they can’t wait to see you. Because we all need a little bit of ‘Abersoch magic’ to lighten our lives at the end of this strange year.
o how can you support our local businesses this festive season? How can you help them through what is proving to be a tough winter season and make sure they are still here for you when the sun comes shining back through next spring? Well at the time of going to press, exactly what the restrictions on opening etc. may or may not be were still not entirely clear, but our local hospitality businesses are doing everything they can to be here for you when you make your seasonal visit. Right through the year they have been working hard to make their premises and services safe for you, and it will be no different over Christmas and New Year. So, the message is, if you can get yourselves down here, safely and in line with current guidance, then please do so. We know we can rely on you to respect the rules when you do and support our
Firstly, let’s see what our great local pubs are doing for you (at the time of writing, restrictions on alcohol sales are likely to influence opening arrangements, this may change as we get nearer to Christmas so please check online). The legendary Vaynol in the heart of the village has found a way to keep a warm welcome going whenever permitted this year and will be here for you over the festive season. As most of our readers know, The St. Tudwal’s Inn has been busy reinventing itself to great effect under new owners this year and they too will find a way to give you the best ‘Christmas pub’ experience they can. Over in Llanengan, Steve and his wonderful crew at the lovely Sun Inn (Yr Haul) have worked hard this year with gift vouchers available, finding a way of keeping their brilliant Charity Quizzes going and a series of mouth-watering specials to tempt you into their wonderful fireside welcome. Meanwhile in Llanbedrog, the two Daves, Stacey & Jane are doing a great job in their new roles as landlords of The Ship (Y Llong) in probably the most challenging of circumstances – taking over just as new restrictions hit! Like our other great local pubs, they have a fantastic looking seasonal menu highlighted on their Facebook page, a great takeaway service, Steak Nights and special offers. It’s worth remembering that generally booking will be essential for pub| 25
dining, so please get your bookings in as early as possible. And please, please ensure you turn up if you have booked! Sticking with Llanbedrog, the Glyn y Weddw Arms keeps on delivering the goods, whatever the restrictions, whilst Aqua Beach Bar plan to open with some specials, festive mulled wine and gift vouchers that will make great gifts. The brilliant selection of independent bareateries is a big part of what makes Abersoch so special. The little slice of Mexican magic that is Mañana has really stepped up to the plate this year with a superb takeaway service, creating fantastic dishes in record-breaking time (I’ve not always been able to finish my drink at their picnic tables before my food has arrived!) as well as finding a way of safely keeping their special party atmosphere going for inside diners, whatever the restrictions. Fresh have had a cheeky makeover – check out that cool new street frontage – and kept our tastebuds tickled whatever the challenge. They’re planning on opening from 9th December, so
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great food and special cocktails look diaried in for you there! Zinc have been brilliant – always open whenever permitted, a seamlessly safe operating service and some terrific specials on both their lunchtime and evening menus as well as their ever-legendary breakfasts – they will be there for you this Christmas and New Year! For simple daytime snacks, sandwiches and coffees etc, remember that their ‘Abersoch Deli’ is open pretty much all day, all year too (although they may take Christmas & Boxing Day off if that’s OK!). The Hub too has had a
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makeover this year and are making their Christmas plans as we write – keep an eye on their Facebook page. Kin & Co are the epitome of Abersoch cool – a vibrant menu, mellow soundtrack, lovely staff and a wonderful, eco-friendly clothing and homeware store as part of the deal. They too will be here for you this holiday season – café hours will extend as the main holiday approaches and their evening offer (check out their cheeky cocktail menu!) will be mapped out just as soon as we know exactly what’s possible. Two Islands have made a huge success of their courtyard development, creating a lovely sheltered, uber-cool venue to enjoy their speciality coffees, stunning homemade cakes and of course their timelessly wonderful ice-creams, created by hand, on-site. Christmas ice-cream specials include mince pie, cinnamon caramel gingerbread, and the ‘love it or hate it’ bread sauce flavour! The cake counter will be stacked with specials - mince pie cinnamon buns and classic mince pies, together with jars of house-made mincemeat, and salted caramel. A perfect way to treat yourself on your Christmas visit! Some big news coming up on Two Islands too – you may have noticed that the windows in the old bank next door have been obscured to hide a hive of activity. All will be revealed in our Spring issue! Crust Pizzeria have excelled themselves this year. Offering a safe dining experience whenever 28 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2020 28 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | CHRISTMAS 2020
permitted and continuing their superb takeaway service thanks to some internal rearrangement to keep everybody equally safe. Whatever the restrictions, they’ve still managed to create some wonderful specials and no doubt have something special in store for us over the holiday period too. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for latest details
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favourite shops have found new ways to give you your slice of Abersoch, whatever the rules. Abersoch Boatyard is a great example of an independent local business who have long offered a fabulous online service to go with their commitment to remaining open on the high street whenever possible. Other shops have treated the challenge of Covid as an opportunity and diversified, either on the street or online. Blades has reinvented itself as a fantastic deli and fresh fruit and vegetable shop. Coastal Culture has extended into a range of beautiful flowers, stunningly crafted with the effortless elegance Kat brings to everything she does. Kin & Co have some wonderful eco-friendly products to match their ultra-cool clothing range and have put them up online for you to buy wherever you may be.
or do it the old-skool way by checking out their ‘A-board’ as you drive past! For those looking for something even grander on the dining scale, we are seriously blessed here with the intimate atmosphere of The Dining Room in the middle of the village, together with the opulence of Tremfan Hall, Plas Bodegroes and off course the wonderful Porth Tocyn Hotel. The key with all these venues is to remember that they will do their best to open as effectively as they can for you in line with prevailing rules. So, check out their websites and social media to make certain you have the latest news. Above all, remember that if you are looking to dine-in, anywhere in and around Abersoch, you will need to book. So please help yourselves, and our local businesses, by booking as early as you can. Over on the high street there has been some serious innovation going on, as your
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Similarly, wherever you look across the range of proudly independent business in Abersoch, someone is busy innovating to find a way to rise to the business challenge this year represents, and to find a way to bring Abersoch to you. To give you a flavour of the great strides being made, we spoke to one perfect example – Sam at women’s boutique and lifestyle store, First Light:
“ This time last year, none of us
could have predicted what 2020 had in store for us. As a small business owner, it has been an absolute rollercoaster ride, and in 15 years, our most challenging year yet, but as they say, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. With no visitors allowed to our village for much of this year, all the independent businesses have had to adapt quickly to these changes. We were always being asked if First Light had a website and I always replied, ‘Sorry, can’t manage it in the summer, too busy!’.
”
As you might imagine, in March 2020, I unexpectedly had time to take us online! So, the first two weeks of March lockdown were spent learning to make a website! I had no previous experience of this, and we’ll definitely never be ASOS, but I’m pleased to now be able offer our customers and friends, who don’t live locally, the ability to still shop with us! We try to get as much of our stock online as we can and use a combination of Instagram and Facebook to advertise what we have available in store and what’s online. Instagram shopping must be one of the most helpful tools available to a small business during Covid, providing the ability to click a link straight through to the product on our website, bringing great online traffic. We can post orders out or offer a simple ‘Click and Collect’ service. We also offer local delivery. We have been really touched by the support for our business over this year, both visitors and locals using the site to continue to support us, one lady even placing an order every week for her daughter! At the time of writing it looks as though there will be restrictions on opening, and sadly the Christmas Festival could not go ahead. We will miss everyone and will do everything we can to open our doors whenever permitted. At this time it’s important to support small businesses so that we can all still be here to welcome you back in 2021. So please remember, we are all still here and open (at the time of writing), most businesses now have websites and offer mail order and gift vouchers. Please don’t forget us this Christmas!”
Carron from ‘The Little Tearooms at Mickey’s’ is another one diversifying and strengthening online. With a strong ethos of supporting ethically conscious and local suppliers, and giving local people opportunities, ‘The Little Tearooms’ is a great resource for a whole range of speciality food and drink products, as well as a stunning bespoke cake-making service. Sam and Carron are just two examples of what’s happening over here. Abersoch may look like a sleepy little village out of season, but these guys are in full survival mode and opening every door to business that they can. Lavender House, Turtle Photography and Totally Abersoch all offer a full online service with some wonderful ‘Abersoch Christmas gift ideas’. The list of independents goes on and on - Boardrider, O’Shea, Abersoch Garden Centre, The Artists Studios, Boudica – look them up online and support them however you can! Similarly, for the watersports enthusiast in your life, Abersoch Watersports, West Coast Surf, Offaxis, Abersoch Surf Shop, Idealboat and Land & Sea have, as well as opening (safely!) for you whenever possible, been busy beefing up their online offers
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so that you can access their brilliant gear ranges wherever you are. As Sam said, do not forget those gift vouchers. The vast majority of our businesses now offer them so, whether it be clothes, homewares, Abersoch-branded gear or a voucher towards your next wetsuit, SUP, surfboard or watersports experience, why not head online and make your friends and family happy. We’re here too! Abersoch Life has just made available the incredible photo book, ‘ABERSOCH – SOMEWHERE OUTWEST’, in collaboration with award-winning local photographer Phill Boyd. It’s a stunning piece of work that would make a wonderful Christmas present for anybody who loves Abersoch. We’ve got calendars and magazine subscriptions for them too in our online store! Head to www.abersochlife.com for these and comprehensive information on all our local businesses. Finally, let’s not forget those keeping it real on the high street. Terry’s Butchers is your go-to venue for your Christmas turkey and a fantastic range of seasonal meats and fish.
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Between Terry’s, Blades, Courts, Londis and Spar, and all the speciality food and drink outlets we’ve got going on here, you really don’t need to shop anywhere else. Remember too that when hunger calls out of the blue, The Creel is there for you with their superb fish and chips. So, Shop local, Shop Abersoch is the motto. Remember, ‘when you support a small business a real person does a happy dance!’ Happy Christmas from all of us here in your ‘Happy Place’
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IT’S THE MOST
T
HIS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN PARTICULAR, WE REALLY DESERVE TO REJOICE AND TO SPOIL OURSELVES AND OUR LOVED ONES. WITH MONTHS OF SOCIALISING AND CELEBRATING TO MAKE UP FOR WE ASKED DEAN & MARGARET OF GWIN LLŶN WINES, OUR FANTASTIC AWARDWINNING INDEPENDENT WINE SUPPLIER, FOR THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE THIS FESTIVE SEASON EXTRA SPECIAL. WHATEVER YOU DRINK THIS CHRISTMAS, DRINK SENSIBLY AND RESPONSIBLY WITH GOOD COMPANY AND REMEMBER THE WATER! HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL……. DEAN & MARGARET GWIN LLŶN WINES
e n g a p m a h C
is the pinnacle and this year there will be Champagne offers galore, due to the fact that so many restaurants and hotels have had to close. Stick to the well-known brands and you can pick up a bargain. Alternatively speak to your local independent wine shop; they will be able to introduce you to small familyowned Champagne Houses which will be well worth trying. Champagne Lallier Grand Cru for example is fantastic value and tastes terrific. The Lallier Grand Cru Rosé is an absolute must try this Christmas, other Grand Marques costing twice as much wither in its presence. There are lots of sparkling alternatives, Prosecco, Cava, Crémant all ideal glasses of fizz. For something really different try a glass of Fresita, this Chilean sparkling wine is blended with Patagonian strawberries and is only 8 % abv. It’s a really good alternative to Bucks-Fizz on Christmas morning.”
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l a e m s a m t The Chris
is a marathon not a sprint so start with a light and fresh white wine. Unoaked Chablis (Chardonnay) or a Pouilly-Fume (Sauvignon Blanc) will get the ball rolling nicely and complement most starters. For the main course, be it turkey, goose or duck, a red wine such as Pinot Noir or a red from the Rhône (Gigondas, Seguret or Cairanne) would really complement the roasted meat. If you prefer white wine, a full-blooded white Burgundy (Chardonnay) or a Pinot Gris would be an ideal partner for the turkey and trimmings. For beef or venison try a Syrah (Shiraz), Cabernet Sauvignon or a Rioja Reserva.
Dessert
is a must and must be accompanied by a dessert wine. A classic partner for the Christmas pud is the Torres “Floralis” Moscatel Oro. If you are having a chocolate dessert then try the Rubis fortified chocolate wine, it is exquisite and once tasted is never forgotten.
CHEESE AND PORT go hand-in-hand at many Christmas dinners. The seasonality of Port is a real shame and wines lovers should remember that ‘Port is for life, not just for Christmas’. TAWNY PORT AND VINTAGE PORT are two separate styles. Both are wonderful digestifs after dinner parties as well as enjoying with the cheese board throughout the year. VINTAGE PORT possesses extraordinary power, with deep fruit, spice, and chocolate. Full bodied, Vintage Port needs a powerful cheese to stand up to its strength. Anything mellow or subtle may get brushed aside. Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort or a wellaged, powerful Cheddar work well. TAWNY PORTS change flavour profile depending on their age; at 10, 20, 30 or 40 years old. The traditional 20-year-old version is usually sweeter with secondary characters coming to the fore and can be enjoyed with smoother, subtle cheeses.
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WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE
PHOTO: LIVVY BOYD - ALL SEASONS SURFER BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
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...if you are buying a surprise gift and you know their old suit you could get away without a fitting in person, although always speak to one of our experts. PHOTO: PHIL WOODS - PUTTING WINTER WETSUITS THROUGH THEIR PACES BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
S
KI RESORTS MAY BE CLOSED BUT WINTER WATER-SPORTS ARE BOOMING ON THE PENINSULA. BOARDERS ARE INVESTING THEIR FLIGHT BUDGETS INTO KITTING THEMSELVES OUT FOR A FULL ON WINTER IN THE WAVES. ABERSOCH IS HOME TO THE MOST DEDICATED SURFERS, SOME OF WHOM FORGED THEIR LIVELIHOODS HERE DECADES AGO AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE; EXPERT ADVICE ALONGSIDE CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY FROM TOP BRANDS. THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF KIT THIS TIME OF YEAR IS DEFINITELY THE WINTER WETSUIT AND, WITH RENTALS BEING TRICKY AT PRESENT, BUYING YOUR OWN IS A GREAT INVESTMENT. WE WENT TO THE WATERSPORTS LEGENDS OF ABERSOCH TO BRING YOU SOME ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO GET YOU EQUIPPED FOR CHRISTMAS.
“A decent wetsuit will keep you comfortable and warm in the colder winter months. Surfing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing surfing and foiling all get, at some moment, great conditions at this time of year often creating the perfect winter’s day; it is as always, catching the moment in time that is the trick. So keep motivated and get on the search this winter to capture some magic.” says Johnny from Offaxis. Spout from West Coast Surf adds “With a decent wetsuit there is no reason at all that you cannot enjoy time in the water all year
round. Wearing a high end 5/6mm on a sunny winter’s day you can find yourself needing to let some cold water in to cool you down”. Boarders will enjoy hours in the water this winter and all state tiredness, hunger or conditions make them leave the sea, not the cold. With a myriad of brands on the market and huge differences in price, knowing where to start can be tricky. Each of our local shops have their preferred brands that are obvious to spot in store or on their websites, from local hero Oshea, to Rip Curl, O’Neill, Osprey, | 37
PHOTO: ANNABELLE LEE - SUITED & BOOTED BY: OUTWEST IMAGES
C-Skin, Xcel, Patagonia to name but a few. All however agree that fit is the key aspect to keeping you warm, with superior neoprene and the leak proof panels of the more expensive brands coming second. A £350 suit that doesn’t fit properly will not only weigh you down but will freeze your baubles off faster than a basic second hand number that fits like a glove. The latest suits offer the best flexibility so become essential for professional swimmers and surfers but no brand as yet has managed to find a solution to the awkward feat of getting in and out of a wetsuit. Phill (aka Woods) from Abersoch Watersports suggest a dryrobe “to protect your modesty, that feeling of having both your hands stuck in the wetsuit and your towel starting to slip…! Dryrobes seem to be one of the products of the moment, more people wanting to get out and do more, and these things
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keep you seriously warm and protected from the elements!”. All the shops agreed that a good suit can last for years with average use, if you rinse then hang it (not from the shoulders) and let it dry properly (both the right way round and inside out). You may also want to invest in a wetsuit conditioner and cleaner and try not to wee in your suit… Seasoned water junkies have strong brand loyalty, many find the make that suits their build and stick with it. This means if you are buying a surprise gift and you know their old suit you could get away without a fitting in person, although always speak to one of our experts. If it is a first suit or you are dropping hints for someone to treat you this year, all the shops offer gift vouchers. Other great gifts for boarders include gloves, boots or a hood - that you could easily buy without having to ask too many questions. Our surf shops also offer a buy back scheme on new suits, meaning you can often get up to 50% back and upgrade, invaluable when buying for growing kids. Big Al from Boardrider started the first scheme of its kind here in 1986 (proof that water-sports keep you young), “I see clients who first used the buy back scheme when they were a child, that are still using it today it to buy suits for their own kids!” So what are you waiting for? Buy something this Christmas that will protect, enrich and reward. Give someone the gift of the ocean. Get in touch with the pros and you won’t look back, see you in the waves:
WHERE TO BUY: SPOUT: www.westcoastsurf.co.uk PHILL: www.abersochwatersports.co.uk JOHNNY: www.offaxis.co.uk BIG AL: www.boardrider.co.uk
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s t r A COLUMN
BY LOWRI LLEWELYN
I
’m banishing the Live! Laugh! Love! brand of home decor to the deepest depths of hell. Instead, this season I’m coveting these iconic vintage posters, the first of which, by Elwyn Ioan, translates to ‘Do everything in Welsh’ and features a couple enjoying a moonlit rendezvous. The second, a tongue in cheek design which reads ‘Gwell llaeth Cymru na chwrw Lloegr’ features humorous storyteller Eirwyn Jones and will be a familiar sight for anyone who attended uni in Bangor during the 70s! Whack your poster in a frame to give your retro design a sleek new lease of life and your home a pop of personality. Available at www.ylolfa.com.
^
^ ^
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rts ACOLUMN M
y second pick this season are these humorous Welsh lady prints by Myths ‘n’ Tits, an exciting new addition to the Welsh art scene. There’s been a bit of an explosion in artwork celebrating Welsh culture of late and my favourite designs by this artist are those which evoke the escapes of Nerys and Cerys—two gals I’d be more than happy to join on a night out around the ‘Soch. The artist also reimagines Greek myths with a no-nonsense feminist and LGBTQ friendly perspective. Excited to see where their imagination takes us next. If you’re like me and have absolutely no patience for Christmas songs, you’ll need an inoffensive soundtrack for your festive celebrations. Regular readers will know I’ve dedicated this year to discovering Welsh artists, and this season you’re getting a double dose of Celtic culture because electronic act Gwenno sings in both Welsh and Cornish. In my ignorance, I didn’t realise Cornish was still a spoken language and not only that, it sounds remarkably like Welsh (I once fleetingly watched Gwenno on Jools Holland, empty bottle of wine in hand and flummoxed as to why the sounds coming out of her mouth didn’t compute inside my head). The reason for this is that both languages are derived from the Brythonic. It was only through my research I learned the Celtic nations extend to the Isle of Man, Cornwall and Brittany. Isn’t that something? Buy Gwenno’s work on either CD or vinyl at gwenno.info. To finish, I know the pandemic has been hard on all of us, but this Christmas I’m asking you to spend your pennies extra wisely. Amazon will be just fine without you while Welsh creatives might not be. Nadolig llawen a bledhen nowydh da!
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FASHION PREVIEW CREATED BY BETHANY BIRCH
ABERSOCH MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2020
With the festive season well and truly upon us, our light knits and transitional pieces have become a distant memory, with the winter weather seeing us grabbing for our chunky knits, thick coats and bobbled hats. Although we’ll likely be spending far more time in our own homes this Christmas time and our December diaries won’t be as populated with festive events this year, there’s still reason to dress up and feel good. We’ve browsed Abersoch’s local stores to find the best pieces to see you through the season! Abersoch stores are thriving with new winter staples to carry you through the festive season and beyond, happy shopping!
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DAY
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2
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1. BOUDICA - Black Platform Pumps Vans 2. FIRST LIGHT - Commit Regular Waiste Glitter Coated Jeans £45 3. FIRST LIGHT - Charlotte Faux Fur Grey Coat £110 4. FIRST LIGHT - Sikira Long Grey Scarf £24 5. BOARDDRIDER - Chunky Knit Black Bobble Hat O’neill £30 6. FIRST LIGHT - Kate High Waist Straight Cut Jeans £70 7. Kin & Co - Black Rains Box Bag £59 8. FIRST LIGHT - Veja Campo Extra - White/Black Trainers £115 TO FIND FULL DETAILS OF ALL SHOPS IN THIS ARTICLE VISIT WWWW.ABERSOCHLIFE.COM 31 || ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE || CHRISTMAS 42 CHRISTMAS 2020 2020
FASHION PREVIEW ABERSOCH MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2020
NIGHT
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g i l o d a N wen Lla
1. FIRST LIGHT - Ruffled Midi Dress £159 2. FIRST LIGHT - Long Teddy Coat £75 3. FIRST LIGHT - Petite Vega Orb Earrings £44 4. FIRST LIGHT - Paula Shell Fine Cord Necklace £30 5. FIRST LIGHT - Pysa Pants £35 6. FATFACE - Pennymore Knee High Boots £110 7. LAVENDER HOUSE - Leopard Print Gloves £15 8. FIRST LIGHT - Mitrana Long Sleeve Shirt £48 TO FIND FULL DETAILS OF ALL SHOPS IN THIS ARTICLE VISIT WWWW.ABERSOCHLIFE.COM
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s a m t s i r h CGIFTS 0
£7.5
£12
g n i k c o St s r e l l i F 5
£7.2
Junior Dip Sticks Games
‘The Boss’ mug
Original Print Notecards
LAVENDAR HOUSE
LAVENDER HOUSE
LAVENEDER HOUSE
£15
£22
A
£PO
Kapka Enamel Mugs
After Dinner Music Quiz
‘On Your Bike’ Bicycle Tool Kit
KIN & Co
LAVENDER HOUSE
LAVENDER HOUSE
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Diolch yn fawr i’n holl gwsmeriaid am eich cefnogaeth yn ystod y flwyddyn A big thank you to all our customers for your support during the year
Yma i chi ar gyfer y Nadolig There for you this Christmas www.spar-pwllheli.co.uk /SparPwllheli | 45
s a m t s i r h CGIFTS £8
£10
e h T For Home £10
Ocean Air Salty Hair Plaque
Scented Diffusers (Various)
Scented Room Spray (VArious)
LAVENDER HOUSE
LAVENDER HOUSE
LAVENDER HOUSE
£35
£20
£20
Pressed & Folded Moon Print
Somewhere Outwest Photo Book
White Bowl
KIN & Co
ABERSOCH LIFE
TOTALLY ABERSOCH
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HOTEL • RESTAURANT SELF CATERING 2021 Season 19th March – End October
2021 SEASON 19th March - End November Porth Tocyn Hotel, Abersoch, Gwynedd, LL53 7BU bookings@porthtocynhotel.co.uk
01758 713303 • PORTHTOCYNHOTEL.CO.UK
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s a m t r s e i p r m a h CGIFTS Pourself Y
0
£9.5
£17
.99
£14
Natalie Bond Bloom Body Oil
Natalie Bond Glow Body Scrub
Up Circle Coffee Body Scrub
KIN & Co
KIN & Co
KIN & Co
£35
£10
.99
£18
Neom Bedtime Hero Bath Foam
French Tinned Soaps (Various)
Reed Diffusers
COASTAL CULTURE
LAVENDER HOUSE
CHARISMATIC CAT
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s a m t s i r r o o h d t u CGIFTS O enturer Adv
0
£15
£40
£25
Rip Curl Winter Poncho
C-Skins Changing Robe
Rip Curl 3mm Wetsuit Gloves
ABERSOCH OFFAXIS
WEST COAST SURF
WEST COAST SURF
0
£26
.49
£24
£25
Bic 5’10” Fish Suitable 10-15yrs
Red Original Microfibre Towel
Rip Curl Long Sleeve Rash Vest
WEST COAST SURF
ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS
WEST COAST SURF
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PHOTO: PREPARED BY AND FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM LAVENDER HOUSE, FEATURING THE PENGUIN 8 STOVE FROM CHILLI PENGUIN BY: EURON JONES
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