Abersoch Sensation Magazine Spring 2013

SPRING 2013 £2.50

The Vaynol Arms is our

FEATURED PUB

LIFE OF AN

ABERSOCH LOCAL Will Williams

PHOTO GRAPHY SHOW CASE with John Wormald & Martin Turtle

LUCKY

SPRING

THE MILL PROJECT The transformation of a historic building into a modern masterpiece

MEXICAN EXPANSION MAÑANA GETS BIGGER!

Hop into Spring!

13

SOCH HEADS COMPLETE 2013 EVENTS GUIDE ABERSOCH AND PWLLHELI LISTINGS & MAP

w w w.t h e s an c t uar ylo d ge s.c o.uk

RetReat to youR own sanctuaRy fRom just

Luxury lodges for sale on the Lleyn Peninsula.

Y Noddfa is the perfect place to appreciate the peaceful and picturesque experience that is the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales. Set amongst a delightful woodland glade, this carefully planned park occupies beautiful rolling countryside with tranquil views of the surrounding area. Y Noddfa has the rural charm along with all the modern facilities you would expect from a 5-star development including outdoor swimming pool & Jacuzzi, tennis court, a gymnasium as well as its own private fishing lake.

You are welcome to come and have a look around, please call

01766 819098

The Sanctuary Luxury Lodge Park, Rhosfawr, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 6YA. info@thesanctuarylodges.co.uk

Welcome To Abersoch

The St Tudwal’s Islands from Abersoch Main Beach- photographed by Totally Abersoch

4 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Spring 2013 After a cold and snowy winter Abersoch Mag is ready to launch into spring. As I write this, the sun is shining and thawing out the frozen local traders, tired of hibernation and preparing for Easter. But the village hasn’t been sleeping all winter - plenty of things have been going on from renovations and redecorating to our massive Christmas Launch weekend last November. The Launch Weekend got the whole village involved and you can find pictures of the festive fun in our ‘Soch Heads’ section on page 92! As is usual in the winter, the local businesses take advantage of the low season to make some improvements. You can read all about Manana’s new spacious bar area on page 40! Another one to keep an eye on is the Riverside Hotel’s bar, since the owners have returned from a life changing trip travelling the breadth

of Thailand, the blinds have been firmly closed and the activity inside suggests that some top secret decorating has been going on... I’m told we can expect an entirely new identity to the bar, and they will be open ready for the Easter holidays along with some announcements regarding ‘PortSO95’ which is another top secret project I can’t divulge anything about! Just keep checking www.abersochlife.com for updates on this exciting new event....

To get you in the mood for Easter, check out page 50 for this issue’s fashion shoot. Set in Plas Bodegroes’ gorgeous gardens, it makes a perfect backdrop for some cheerful clothes to banish the winter blues. If you fancy a bit of nostalgia, go to page 46, where you’ll find an history of the local garage owner Will Williams. Will has provided us with some amazing old photographs of the garage and on the main beach, it is really fascinating to

Snowdon from Sarn Bach - by Turtle Photography

8 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

see the difference between then and now.

So pick up some sunglasses and your beach chair, grab Abersoch Sensation Magazine and settle down for a good read in the warm sunshine. (In case of rain, swap sunglasses and beach chair for umbrella and hot chocolate!) Rain or shine, it’s perfect weather for reading!

Wedi eira ac oerfel y gaeaf mae Abersoch Mag yn barod am y gwanwyn.

Wrth i mi sgrifennu hwn, mae’r haul yn gwenu ac mae ei effaith i’w weld ar y masnachwyr lleol sydd wedi cael llond bol o’r gaeaf ac yn edrych ymlaen at y Pasg. Ni fu’n aeaf diog - rhwng y gwaith adnewyddu ac addurno sydd wedi digwydd a’r penwythnos anhygoel fis Tachwedd diwethaf pan gynhaliwyd y ‘Christmas Launch’, mae wedi bod yn ddigon prysur. Roedd y pentre’n byrlymu. Mae lluniau i’w gweld yn adran ‘Soch Heads’ ar dudalen 92! Fel sy’n digwydd pob gaeaf, manteisiodd busnesau lleol ar y cyfle i wneud rhai gwelliannau. Cewch wybod rhagor am far newydd Manana ar dudalen 40! A chadwch lygad hefyd ar far y Riverside Hotel. Ers i’r prechnogion

Gwanwyn 2013

ddychwelyd o daith fythgofiadwy i Thailand, mae’r llenni wedi bod ar gau a rydym ni’n siwr fod addurno go helaeth wedi digwydd... deallaf y gallwn ddisgwyl gweld y bar ar ei newydd wedd. Byddant yn barod i agor adeg y Pasg a gallwch ddisgwyl cyhoeddiadau ynghylch ‘PortSO95’ , prosiect cyfrinachol arall na allaf ddweud gair amdano! Cadwch lygad arwww.abersochlife.com i gael y newyddion cyffrous diweddaraf....

I’ch paratoi at y Pasg ewch i dudalen 50 i weld lluniau ffashiwn y rhifyn hwn. Mae gerddi hardd Plas Bodegroes yn leoliad perffaith i weld dillad fydd yn codi’ch calon wedi’r gaeaf hir. Os ydych chi’n teimlo’n hiraethus am y gorffennol, ewch i dudalen 46 i ddarllen hanes y dyn garej lleol Will Williams. Mae gan Will hen ffotograffau rhyfeddol o’r garej a’r prif draeth. Mae’r gwahaniaeth rhwng ddoe a heddiw’n drawiadol.

Allan a’r sbectol haul a’r gadair lan môr, a gwnewch ei hun yn gyfforddus yn yr haul braf wrth i chi fwynhau darllen yr Abersoch Sensation Magazine. (Os daw hi’n law, ffeiriwch y sbectol haul a’r gadair am ymbarel a siocled poeth!). Boed law neu hindda, mae’n dywydd perffaith ar gyfer darllen!

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Sensation Magazine Spring 2013

Contents Totally Abersoch

page

52 page

46 70

page

86 Totally Abersoch

Totally Abersoch

page

Editor: Dai Davies Contributing Writers: Dai Davies, Emma Lewthwaite, Lauren Griffiths Artwork: Lauren Griffiths Senior Photographers: Martin Turtle @ www.turtlephotography.co.uk John Wormald @ www.totallyabersoch.co.uk Contributing Photographers: Simon @ Totally Abersoch Managing Director: Mark Durston

12 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Sensation Group The Orchard Abersoch Gwynedd LL53 7LD Tel: 01758 710011 Email: info@sensationgroup.com Website: www.abersochlife.com Cover Photo by Totally Abersoch.

Special thanks to the owners of Cilgeraint house for letting us use their terrace for the stunning view.

Contents 14 Soch Press

28 sailing club The clean-up and upgrading of Pwllheli harbour has moved a step closer with the appointment of contractors to undertake the work

30 T ra nsformi n g Th e Wh i te h a l l :

A historic pub in Pwllheli plans for a big makeover

46 Will Williams Life of an Abersoch local

52 F a sh on :

Hop into spring! The latest fashion right of Abersoch High Street

60 Gol f Sta rte r s:

It’s easy to try your hand at golf with Abersoch Golf Club’s starter packages

70 featured pub This issue showcases the historic Vaynol Pub

82 E ve n ts 201 3:

Essential dates for your diary

86 Soch heads Have you been snapped by the Sensation camera? This issue we have photos from the New Years Day Dip, the Christmas Launch Weekend and a few more out and about!

22 Taking the Strain A new physiotherapy clinic opens it’s doors in Abersoch

24 M i c r o l i g h t S c h o o l :

Experience the gorgeous views North Wales has to offer - as you’ve never seen them before

26 T h e n e w A b e r s o c h Half Marathon:

Are you up for a challenge this year?

34 A local kingdom Bardsey Island: 1000’s of years of history on our doorstep

40 M e xi c a n E xp a n s i o n :

Manana has extended the restaurant and now have a spacious new bar area

42 T h e M i l l P r o j e c t :

Transformation of a historic building into a modern masterpiece

44 A l l c h a n g e a t t h e Gol f C l u b

Turtle photography

News on the various hotel developments within the village

Totally Abersoch

20 Ho tel s Up d a te :

A radical shake up of management at the Clwb Golff

62 photo showcase A showcase of gorgeous photographs by our senior photographers Martin Turtle and John Wormald

76 coastal homes Cast your eye over these stunning properties available to buy and rent in the area

94 A b e r s o c h M a p a n d L i st i n g s 96 P wl l h e l i M a p a n d L i st i n g s

Totally Abersoch

All the latest news from in and around Abersoch

98 last poem

| 13

Soch

All the latest news from in and around abersoch

Press Tyn-y-Mur Camping and Caravan Park More and more people are enjoying camping and caravanning breaks in Abersoch and what finer spot than Tyn-y-Mur Camping and Carvan Park?

Surrounded by farmland with panoramic seaviews of Cardigan Bay and Hell’s mouth, it is the ideal location for the perfect family camping holiday whether in a tent, touring caravan or motorhome.

As well as spectacular scenery, visitors can be sure of a warm welcome from the resident wardens and the best on-site facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.

As well as clean, regularly serviced toilets and showers (with FREE hot water), there is a washing up room, laundrette facilities, WiFi and LPG gas is available to buy onsite.

The campsite also features an adventure play area and a football field to keep the children entertained.

And don’t forget to bring the children’s bikes and scooters – they will enjoy the freedom of cycling around the park which has been accredited with a gold David Bellamy nature conservation award.

Five Degrees West, the family bar and bistro which also has an outdoor play area, is just a five minute walk from the park and all the restaurants, bars and shops in Abersoch village are just a short walk away.

Visitors can also enjoy FREE

fishing in the river which is just a short walk down the hill from the park.

“Fishing is a great family activity” said Harold Roberts, owner of Tyn y Mur. “We like to make sure our visitors have the best possible holiday which is why we’ve introduced free fishing on our river. We’ve also arranged a few seafishing days and clay pigeon shooting days for our visitors.” He continued.

Places are limited and must be pre-booked.

For further information or to make a booking, visit www.tyn-y-mur.co.uk, call 01758 712328 or email: info@tyn-y-mur.co.uk

The Front Door Bar has had a personality change!

Local artists have made their mark and transformed the interior decor of the Riverside hotel’s bar.

The Front Door Bar now boasts a new vibe unlike anything you will see in Abersoch.

Come and enjoy many of their new offers and

fun things to do in the bar, make your mark! The bar plans on hosting many themed nights throughout the season, including live bands and DJs, and nights such as Reggae Wednesday, ‘bring your own vinyl’, and open mic!

Find them on facebook for up to date news and info about upcoming nights and gigs. www. facebook.com/ front.bar If you are a DJ or in a band get in touch through facebook, or even better come check out the

sunday lunch at Venetia

Abersoch’s boutique restaurant with rooms has launched a new initative for the coming summer. The restaurant is now available for Sunday Lunch. The set rate of £13.95 for 2 courses (start & main) is sure to be a winner. Starting at 12:30 through to 3pm - you will undoubtedly need to book beforehand.

Contact them at justask@venetiawales. com www.venetiawales.com 01758 713354

14 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Flipside Cafe & Cakery, for all things home made and yummy.

This year the cakery are serving up some delicious savoury treats as well as afternoon teas and cakes.

You will find us at Abersoch Craft Centre, next door to Flipside Jewellery. So come and try our home made steak and local Cwrw Llyn ale or cheese & leek pasties, tasty sandwiches & delicious soups. For those with a

sweet tooth pop in for one of our home made cakes, scones, bakes or book an afternoon tea with us. We also make cakes to order for every occassion.

Savoury & Sweet, Eat in or Take Away.

Open Fri-Mon 9:30-4:00, Every day throughout School holidays

WILLIAM PARTINGTON MARINE LTD We are celebrating 55 years in business.

Founded in April 1958 by Bill Partington, a family boatyard is now run by William (son) and Sara (daughter).

William Partington Marine Ltd offers full boatyard services at competitive prices, including: Hauling up and launching, 12 ton hoist. Rigging and splicing, insurance repairs, boat storage, Chandlery and clothing shop, open 7 days though March to Sept.

Our established brokerage department can offer the benefit of staff with extensive boating knowledge and trained in brokerage law.

In Memory of Adrian ‘Boulty’ Boult A long time cherished friend of the Abersoch community passed away earlier this year. Sensation magazine asked a good friend of “Boulty’s,” Neil Kirk to write a few words on behalf of everyone that knew him.

“Boulty was a son, brother, husband, dad, friend, gentleman and above all, a people’s man.

He was devoted to his wife, Sue, and to his daughter, Hannah.

In his early days he was a very successful mono skier working at the Powerboat Club (sadly no longer in existence) and then going on to manage the Glyn Club (now 5 degrees West) with his dear friend Raymond. Adrian was

a great socialiser and organiser and started up the Wednesday roll ups at Clwb Golff Abersoch in which the local boys had many memorable fun times bringing income to the club and more so to the bar! Adrian was one if the most successful landlords of The Vaynol with lots of fun and laughter when you were in his company. He took early retirement and went to live in Spain with his beloved wife, enjoying, relaxing, socialising and golfing in the sunshine.

Sadly Adrain left us far too early and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who were privileged to have known him.”

New services include: Casual or seasonal self launch facility for powerboats and PWC’s, on our slipway with the benefit of our walkway pontoon. Secure storage is also available.

“Scorpion Track”- now the North Wales dealers of The Leading UK Manufactured Marine Asset Tracking Device. For more info: www. scorpiontrack.com.

Visit us at Gimblet Rock, The Harbour, Pwllheli (next door to the Lifeboat Station) See our advert on page 1 for our contact details.

Abersoch Half Marathon 2013 It was recently announced that the first Abersoch Half Marathon will take place on Saturday 5th October this year after huge demand from runners all over the country asking for the 13.1 mile race to feature on their running calendar. The stunning course takes you from Abersoch through Llanengan and past the infamous Hell’s Mouth, through the picture book village of Llangian and then back over to Abersoch. Entries are already open and filling well.

It’s a decent challenge and one you’ll get great satisfaction in completing.

There’s timing chip technology just like the 10K, clear mile markers, drink stations & £1,000 of prize money. There’s also a great race after party to celebrate with a welldeserved drink or two!

Full details at www.abersochhalf.com or call the race office on 01758 710011

| 15

Soch Press All the latest news from in and around abersoch

Feeling Chilli?

Abersoch 10K & 3K Beach Race The 5th Fairline Abersoch 10K is taking place on Saturday 1st June 2013, so whether you’re a keen runner trying to beat your personal best, you want to set yourself a challenge to shape up for the summer or want to raise money for charity, if previous years are anything to go by, you’ll want to be a part of the thousand runners that enjoy this spectacular race.

The 10K kicks off by running through a street full of eager spectators and takes in some sensational scenery as it winds its way over challenging tracks and roads and up on to a spectacular viewpoint over Cardigan Bay, Bardsey Island and the dramatic Snowdonia mountain range. To ensure a spectacular end to this challenging race, worthy of its stunning backdrop, the 10K finishes on Abersoch’s

main beach where runners have to negotiate the groynes, battle both hard and soft sand and dodge an ebbing tide, as they sprint to a finish line to hoards of cheering spectators.

If 10K isn’t your distance but you still want to get involved in some fun competition then why not check out the Abersoch Holiday Homes 3K Beach Race, a fantastically fun race for runners of all ages. Starting and finishing on the main beach, and taking place just before the 10K Race, The official race charity for 2013 is the Wales Air Ambulance and organisers would like as many runners to raise money for this great cause or just donate on the day.

Full details and for entries go to www.abersoch10k.com or call the race office on 01758 710011.

Chilli Penguin Stoves the Welsh stove manufacturer is delighted to announce the arrival of a new baby penguin, the Chilli Billie. It was developed with Puki Pods, the camping pod manufacturer specifically for small spaces such as camping pods, yurts, shepherds huts and garden studios. It has a round window which you can see the fire through, is top loading, will provide 2.5 to 3 kW of heat and you can boil a kettle on the top plate.

It is available in a range of colours. It comes with an optional side shelf.

This adds to their range of domestic wood burning and multi fuel stoves which includes the Short Penguin, small in stature but big on personality and the Hungry Penguin, a tall proud penguin a small oven box on the top and an optional small, back boiler. Lastly the Fat Penguin, the big boy of the family group, also with the top oven box perfect for wider fireplaces where the Short Penguin could get lost.

They all come in a range of

colours and have some of the highest efficiency ratings of any stoves currently on the market.

All their designing, component sourcing and manufacturing is done in the UK and the vast majority in Wales. Chilli Penguin Stoves are a small family company committed to supporting UK manufacturing. They can offer surveying, installation and servicing in North Wales by a HETAS registered installer. Their workshops near Pwllheli are not open to the public but visits can be arranged by prior appointment. www.chillipenguin.co.uk phone 01758 721 247 The Short Penguin will be on display in Lavender House.

ABERSOCH MAKERS MARKET Following their great success in Cheshire the team behind the Artisan and Makers Market are delighted to announce that they will be featuring their award winning market in Abersoch this upcoming season. The aims of this monthly event will be to bring together the very finest local artisans to showcase their handcrafted foods & crafts, selecting the very best to compliment this beautiful and unique village.

Each market will be featuring local community projects, live music, dance and activities, which promises to be lots of fun for all the family to enjoy.

Kelly Roberts one of the event organisers of the upcoming Makers Market comments “As a local resident I am delighted to be working with Gwynedd Council and local councillors on this initiative. This is a fabulous opportunity to add some colour, vitality and local produce to the village.

We are busy hand selecting local producers and artisans

16 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

who will complement, not compete with the retail offering of Abersoch. I really can’t wait. It is always a pleasure to put on these events, but even more so when they are in your home town.

Any local people that would like to be involved please contact vicky@nichefestivals.co.uk

Soch Press All the latest news from in and around abersoch

Beresford Adams are pleased to announce their support for the Wales Air Ambulance in 2013 with a contribution donated to this worthy cause for every property that comes onto the market with our subsidiary.

Anyone who has ever had the need to call on the Air Ambulance, or knows someone who has, will know just how vital and professional the service is that these good people give.

The local Air Ambulance is based at Dinas Dinlle near Caernarfon and each call out costs an average of £1500 There are three helicopter bases covering Wales and each base is within 20 minutes of a major hospital. £6,000,000 is needed each year to keep the helicopters in operation, therefore public support is vital to enable the Air ambulance to survive.

Your support is much appreciated.

Great News! The Abersoch Jazz Festival ‘is back’, with lots of surprises. It will all be happening on Benar Headland Abersoch on the last weekend in September, Friday 27th to Sunday 29th 2013. The festival will have a new exciting format, with venues (3) all on one site, wonderful panoramic views, a set-up that is aimed at getting a much broader audience involved, and providing improved movement between venues.

You can expect a much grander stage setup, livelier sessions and as usual the very best national and international bands and musicians. The ever popular Mardi Gras type Parade, rousing Gospel Service and Street Music will naturally be there for the enjoyment of everyone.

Abersoch’s Christmas launch Event Abersoch held a very successful Christmas Launch event last November where a lucky draw winner turned on the lights of the Christmas tree in the centre of the village followed by school children singing Welsh and English carols and a visit by Sion Corn (Father Christmas) The whole village came to life for a fantastic, lively festive evening with the aroma of mulled wine, roast chestnuts, turkey & mince pies drifting around the village. This year will see an even bigger and better Christmas Launch Weekend taking place to kick off Abersochs Christmas season. On the evening of

Friday 29th November local children will sing carols around the Christmas tree with a visit from Father Christmas then on Saturday there will be a visiting Brass band playing festive songs and carols followed by a delightful lantern parade.

Local shops will again be open late and cafes and restaurants will serve special menus with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and all sorts of festive fayre – so dress festively and join us for a great start to the Christmas season. Pictures from last year’s event can be found on page 92!

Glass Butter Beach 2013

There will be a lot of people wondering what is going on with Glass Butter Beach this year. Well we can exclusively assure you that it is all systems go for the Beach Lifestyle & Music Festival and there’s some very exciting plans developing that you will want to keep up to date with.

The festival takes place on

Fri 16th & Sat 17th August with the campsite opening on the Thursday & closing Sunday.

Although only a small festival there is a lot of thought gone in to the look and feel of the event for 2013.

A Baywatch style tower for one of the stages, a beach shack stage right on the waters edge, a 30 ft LED tree and a VIP bar

with arguably one of the best views you’ll find at any festival is just a handful of what’s in store. It sound’s like it will be the place to be this summer so well worth getting tickets early.

Full details at www. glassbutterbeach. com or order tickets by calling 01758 714000

This is going to blow you away and is just what Abersoch’s been waiting for. At the time of press we can’t give any details away but just to say, you’ll want to make it your business to know what it’s all about. Google it and get yourself linked into the facebook page.

18 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Disappearing Beds The hotel industry is waning in Abersoch, making way for self catering accommodation developments instead. Dai Davies gives us an update on the developments within the village.

T

here are fears that the trend for the loss of hotel accommodation may continue in Abersoch.

Goslings has now appeared on the open market for an asking price of £875,000, while Angorfa across the road is for sale at £650,000. Both of these properties are on the market as accommodation businesses, but the concern is that they may go the way of near neighbour The Neigwl, and become private residences.

In our article in the 2012 Autumn edition of Abersoch Sensations magazine we touched on the future of the larger establishments such as The White House, The Riverside and the Harbour hotels.

The Neigwl Hotel as was, has been transformed by an extensive make-over into a fine residential property which looks from the outside as if it is nearing completion. With the loss of these hotel rooms, and a general reduction in bed and breakfast accommodation in the area, the rise in self catering establishments seems to be the salvation of the staying visitors.

The range and diversity of good quality self catering properties continues to be demanded by families looking for a more inclusive and flexible holiday experience.

The development of The White House is one aspect that is likely to buck the trend, if it continues along the lines demonstrated at the open meeting late last year. Attempts by the magazine to gain any further information about how the plans are developing were met with a stony silence from the Manchester-based

The White House (top photo) and The Harbour Hotel (above) still lie derelict waiting for some much needed attention.

Below: The Riverside’s owners are still hopeful over their planning proposals despite new complications arising.

20 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

architects. We hope that the expected opening of a new facility there by early 2016 is still on track, as the economics and jobs that such a development might bring to the area would be very welcome.

As far as the Harbour Hotel is concerned there seems to be no plans for development at this stage, with one project we understand being withdrawn.

The planning proposals for The Riverside continue to roll on, however Sensation Magazine now understands that there are complications coming from an environmental point of view.

It seems plans are being considered for a continued opening of the sluice gates under the bridge over the river Soch near the Riverside. These plans could have a knock-on and potentially damaging effect on the Riverside proposals.

Of course the economy is not in the right place for large wholesale developments to be considered unless the right financing and ideas are in place. However something needs to be done on the sites of the Harbour Hotel and The White House, as the continuous dereliction of these buildings is an eyesore to the visiting and local public. Worse still they are situated in prime locations at the elbow of the oneway system and on the road into/out of Abersoch. If there are any developments then we will of course keep a watchful eye on them and report them in this magazine and on our news website –

www.abersochlife.com

!

SAY

Taking The Strain See your letter featured in Abersoch

A new physiotherapy clinic opens it’s doors in Abersoch Sensation Magazine with a chance to win prizes

!

Words by Dai Davies

Rebecca Bodde at work in her new permenant premises

This picture of the beachhuts at llanbedrog was sent in by Steve Bazley.

Thank you for starting us off Steve, you’ve won a subscription to Sensation and a Chuckbuddy!

This is your chance to have your voice heard! Whether you want to tell us what you think about this village we love so much, your experiences here, what you think it needs (or doesn’t need!), or start a debate with your fellow readers - This is the place. We running want to hearAre from you you. We will also be featuring the best pictures Abin the 10k? of Here ersoch and is the training surrounding area so advice get snapping! The best letter or picfrom ture we feature will winRebeccaa year’s free subscription to Abersoch Sensation free of charge magazine and a Chick buddy! (see Warm up and Stretch before page 17) A warm is abebrisk Please notetraining. that emails willupnot walk or a form of aerobic replied to and letters may be edited exercise (approximately 10 for publication. send minutesPlease duration) to your increase thoughts to info@sensationgroup. tissue temperature, increase nutrients flow to the com with ‘Have Yourand Say’blood in the title. theSay, tissues Or send bymuscles. post to Stretching Have Your before running Sensation Group, The Orchard,increases Abflexibility and enhances ersoch, Gwynedd, LL53 7LD. Please performance. include your name, email, and a conWarm tact number in casedown your after letterrunning is featured. to reduce the demand on the

Totally Abersoch

cardiovascular system and reduce the heart rate. Gentle stretching of the main muscle groups will prevent muscle pain following intensive activity.

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

If an injury occurs during training, warning signs usually are:- pain, swelling, inability to facilities required and I’ve credentials to back up her weight in bear, skin reddening made an arrangement claims.mayShe qualified as been a re-named Regular visitorswith to Abersoch or may not have english! The BBC wales and obvious changes to the the Flipside cafe to supply my Chartered Physiotherapist from have noticed on their travels the rich welsh website has an interesting Welsh house name of the affected structure. patients withheritage complimentary Birmingham University and to shape of the area lives on in the names of generator help in such cases, and can be Always seek advice from either drinks. The space offers me an is registered with the Health places and houses. With so many new prop- found at www.bbc.co.uk/wales/livinginwales/ your local physiotherapist or opportunity to provide discreethappening Professions Council.

Having erty developments all the time, the nameyourhouse/ GP and DO NOT CONTINUE consultations new and to carry worked alongside Olympic owners/property developers are strongly Here are some translations of some common TRAINING until reassured. Rest out the required procedures physiotherapists, County cricket encouraged to name their house in Welsh to welsh words you may have seen around Aberand apply an ice pack to the such as acupuncture, sports clubs, professional dancers, she keep the language alive. In some cases houses soch. injured area. Other treatment massage, exercise prescription, is also senior physiotherapist may include anti-inflammatory core training and general at Betsi Cadwalader University medication/physiotherapy/ physiotherapy. I have the skills Health Board in Porthmadog. taping. to treat everyone from an elite Catch Rebecca online at LJG

LJG

Whatever we do, running, sailing, golfing walking, just general living, we are all prone to the odd strain, muscle twinge, aches and pains and sometime worse. Well here in Abersoch there’s now a new facility to relieve those aching joints and muscles. Not so much new though, more improved and upgraded. Rebecca Bodde used to run a physiotherapy clinic from the beauty salon above the now defunct Wombat athlete to a patient who is penllynphysio.co.uk or call Finally it is important during shop. Such was the demand immobile and house-bound.”

07971 121613 and ease those training to get good sleep, eat for her services that she has Rebecca certainly has the aching joints and muscles.

‘Abersoch’ The mouthaof the river Soch. Any Welsh a well balanced diet and have now -opened permanent place beginning with ‘Aber’ means good psychological outlook on physiotherapy practice that at it is where a river the Uchaf sea. your training as apprehension the joins Aber craft centre and stress can increase the up behind Coconut Kitchen. risk of injury.

Originally known as the Magic ‘Cae Du’ - ‘Cau’ means field and ‘du’ Hands Physiotherapy it is now means black- Black Field. boasting a brand new identity Rebecca will be available as Pen Llyn Physiotherapy on the day of the race to and operating out of the new give advice if needed. Race premises as well as at Gwynfryn entrants can get a 10% Farm gym. discount on general race Says Rebecca, “I am really related treatments. excited about this new venture.

Call 07971 121613 for more ‘Y Bwtri’ may have noticed this ‘Talafon’ - ‘Tal’ means The clinic is in a great location Rebecca’s new physiotherapy practice can be- You found details. sign above the Deli Cafe. This liter- end and ‘afon’ means with all the disabled and and access next door to Flipside jewellery up at Aberuchaf ‘Tawelfor’ - ‘Tawel’ means quiet ‘fôr’ means sea LJG

LJG

- Quiet Sea

22 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

ally translates to ‘The Pantry’ .

river- End of the River.

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NEW HEIGHTS

With the ‘New Heights’ Microlight School Founded 10 years ago by proprietor/ chief flying instructor Keith Roberts the New Heights Microlight School offers an exhilarating experience that can only really be understood by taking a seat in the cockpit and getting yourself airborne over Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula.

Keith who had previously been flying for 16 years realised there was a gap in the market for a flying school in Wales so he trained to become an instructor in 2003. Since then, numerous people have experienced for themselves this fantastic sport and trained up to become pilots at Caernarfon Airport. Microlighting is the safest form of powered flight and also very affordable, subject to the weather a pilot can take to the air and fly anywhere and anytime subject to airspace restrictions.

A microlight is a petrol powered flying machine with either a 2 or 4 stroke engine. Capable of speeds of 50 mph up to 120mph depending on aircraft type and endurance can be anything between 4 hours to 7 hours of flying without the need to re-fuel. Microlighting is perceived to be a dangerous sport, when in fact these amazing little 2-seater

24 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

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aircrafts are the safest form of powered flight. At the NHMS a pilot is trained to a very high standard to help avert any eventuality. Training can begin as young as 14 years, and as long as you have a medical check by your GP you can fly at any age (They’re currently training a 79 year old student!). The training comprises of 25 hours in total minimum, broken into 15 hours dual training and 10 hours of solo flying. Keith also provides the necessary ground school in navigation, meteorology, air-law, human performance and aircraft technical, enabling a trainee pilot to complete 5 written examinations all of which have multiple choice answers. Once a student has completed their training a general flight test is then given by an examiner. Once qualified a pilot is free to fly anywhere subject to the weather. A pilot usually wants to own their own aircraft very soon after qualifying….or sooner!

At Caernarfon Airport they have their own hangar where numerous microlights are safely kept and the pleasures of belonging to the club can be enjoyed. It’s not compulsory to own your own aircraft, but one usually becomes hooked on flying and then keen to invest their own. Keith provides excellent weather information, plane servicing, and his huge knowledge on these craft enables low cost but high enjoyment for all the family.

The limits are endless, around the World if you so desire. Keith himself has circumnavigated the UK on a few occasions, taking with him only a tent and camping gear….the perfect holiday!! Trial/ taster flights are available to all members of the public who do not necessarily want to learn to fly but just want the experience.

A flight can be taken for 30 minutes upwards. This will take you over Snowdon and back. Longer flights can take you to

Anglesey, around the Lleyn and Abersoch, over Caernarfon Castle and beyond to the fabulous mountains of Snowdonia. Your flight can be recorded on video card if desired. Gift vouchers are available and a lovely present for any occasion. Thermal flying suits are supplied, but they do encourage warm clothing and soft sensible shoes to be worn.

In the last 26 years Keith has amassed 1000’s of flying hours, in trial flights, instruction and ground school. So you’re in safe hands!

LOCATION: Caernarfon Airport CONTACT: 07771 881180

“Arguable one of the most stunning & exhilerating Half Marathon courses on the UK running calendar.”

With the Olympics still firmly in everyone’s minds, more & more people are getting into their local gym or out to the nearest running track determined to become the next Mo Farah or Jessica Ennis.

Well, more realistically we do all seem to have a new determination to get fit and many are turning to running. We’ve now got 2 great races here in Abersoch, the most recently launched is a pretty impressive half marathon. So here’s the low-down on your next challenge!

Following the great success of the Abersoch 10K it was no surprise to hear that the first Abersoch Half Marathon has been launched and will take place later in the year on Saturday 5th October here in Abersoch.

Having taken the opportunity to run the proposed route a couple of times, like the 10K it’s a stunning course and one all standards of runners will undoubtedly enjoy taking part in. Organisers received huge demand from runners all over the country asking for the 13.1 mile race to feature on their running calendar and not one to miss an event opportunity they took up the challenge and researched it extensively to before confirming it on the UK athletics calendar.

The start overlooks the harbour, just past Manana restaurant and for the first mile the race 26

runs through the high street and up to the old wine shop, then filtering right down a short lane, right at the Deucoch & left at the end down to Llangengan joining the Nurnburg Ring. Past the Sun inn and up to Hell’s Mouth with sweeping lanes for the next few miles before passing through Llangian. across the long bridge & the halfway point before heading back to Llanengan following the road to Sarn Bach.

Straight over at the Sarn Bach crossroads reaching a section of narrow lanes heading towards the far end of the beach, then a short section of road running round the bay, then the main hill that is a track lasting for 0.3 of a mile (picking the right line up here will make it so much easier for you!). some undulating roads for 2 miles, a short section along the golf course before cutting through onto the beach about a third down, leaving 1 kilometer of the beach down to the finish just below the yacht club.

Map courtesy of Google Map using Mapmyrun.com

An artist’s impression of how the Sailing Academy will look upon completion.

The clean-up and upgrading of Pwllheli harbour has moved a step closer with the appointment of contractors to undertake the work.

J

ones Bros of Ruthin have been appointed for the task that will combine dredging work to maintain the sailing channel as well as the capital work associated with the new £8.3 million National Sailing Academy and Pwllheli Events Centre which will include the building of a quay wall and the installation of new flexible pontoon berths.

The work will be designed and implemented over the next few months and Jones Bros will be key partners in the project team that will lead on the environmental and operational issues associated with the dredging work. Throughout

Pwllheli Harbour improvements a step closer the project information will be shared with the local community - a public exhibition will be held before work starts, a visitor centre will be located on site during the actual building period and Jones Bros will also be working with local schools.

As part of the project, Jones Bros will work closely with Gwynedd Council to identify possible long-term opportunities and options for Pwllheli Harbour and for the local marine industry. These options could include the construction of a bund to create space in which to deposit silt material dredged from the harbour. The work of emptying the stilling lagoon in the harbour, which is again

associated with the marine work, has already been undertaken.

Llŷr Jones, Senior Manager, Economy and Community, said: “The main dredging works to be carried out will enable new marine facilities to be developed as part of the wider Pwllheli Sailing Academy project. We will also be looking to take advantage of the opportunity to undertake additional dredging work within the harbour channel and Hafan to ensure that the facilities in Pwllheli continue to be of the highest standard. We also hope that taking a holistic approach will offer value for money and also minimise inconvenience for harbour users.

“Our aim is to have the Sailing Academy operational by the Spring of 2014. On completion the project will mean that Pwllheli will boast a world class sailing and water sports centre which will be a real asset for the local community and which will attract visitors and professional sailors from all over the world.”

The Pwllheli National Sailing Academy and Events Centre is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

“Our aim is to have the sailing academy operational by the spring of 2014” Photograph from the Merlin Rocket Nationals courtesy of Turtle Photography

28 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Coastal Chic Holiday Homes...

Operating for over 10 years, Abersoch Holiday Homes has the ultimate collection of coastal chic self-catering accommodation in Abersoch, Llanbedrog and the surrounding area.

With over 60 specially selected high quality properties, ranging from large renovated farmhouses, boutique-style luxury homes to pretty cottages and chalets, there is something for everyone.

Whether a romantic getaway for 2 or group holiday for 14 guests, all properties are stylishly presented and well-equipped with many including Sky TV and wireless broadband.

All holiday homes welcome children and provide travel cots, high chairs and stair gates at no extra cost. And there is no need to leave four-legged friends at home, with a third of houses welcoming well-behaved dogs.

Frequent visitor to Abersoch or new to the area? Take a look at our full collection online at... www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

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Nyth y Fran, Abersoch Fully refurbished throughout for 2013, Nyth y Fran is an unrivalled, luxury 5 bedroom detached house enviably located in the centre of Abersoch village with panoramic views across Abersoch’s inner harbour to Snowdonia beyond.

Set over 4 floors the house is boutique hotel styled with exquisite indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Sleeping 12 guests in 5 individually styled bedrooms with 2 luxury ensuites and a further fabulous family bathroom, the house is ideal for large families and groups. To complement the sumptuous interior, outside offers a large decked balcony with moroccan influenced outdoor dining and casual furniture, an enclosed side decking area and bar counter with outdoor bar stools, all ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Broadband included.

1 & 2 Coed y Llyn, Abersoch Two imposing semi-detached properties in the centre of Abersoch, both sleeping 10 guests. Stylish and spacious homes enjoying panoramic views over large lawned garden and patio to St Tudwals Islands. Fabulous combination of modern elegance with period features including impressive high ceilings. Broadband included at 1 Coed y Llyn.

The Orchard, Abersoch Beautifully presented detached property sleeping 8 guests in 4 lovely bedrooms on the outskirts of Abersoch. Can be rented alongside The Little Orchard, a pretty chalet, sleeping a further 5 guests in 3 bedrooms. Many extras including Sky TV and broadband. Dogs welcome.

Y12, The Warren, Abersoch Exquisite seafront chalet with direct access to the beach and located on the luxury holiday home park, The Warren. Stylishly presented throughout with rear terraces and front balcony both with chic outdoor furniture. Sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and benefits from all on-site leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pool.

Silversands, Bwlchtocyn Recently renovated and impeccably presented bungalow offering elegant accommodation for 8 people in 4 bedrooms. Beautiful living spaces.

Spectacular views over Abersoch Bay and Golf Club from the large balcony, side terraces and open plan lounge and dining area. Many extras including Sky TV and broadband.

Glasfryn Penthouse, Llanbedrog Occupying the top floor of this elegant Victorian building, this very smart apartment offers modern open plan living and sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms. Glasfryn Penthouse offers many facilities including wireless broadband, large flatscreen TV with Sky, cinema style screen and multi-functional shower. Dogs welcome.

Photos by Totally Abersoch

Telephone 01758 740992 or 07979 497071 Email abersochhh@btinternet.com www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

Transforming The Whitehall Words by Dai Davies

N

ot another scheme to reconstitute the civil service machine, but instead a complete revamp of the Whitehall pub in Pwllheli. Scheduled for completion in the summer the new Whitehall Pwllheli will be a two storey, bar/bistro/restaurant and a very welcome addition to the facilities in Pwllheli. The project is being managed by local interior designer Robert David and the challenges are substantial.

Says Robert – “the location is excellent, but does give a significant logistical headache for our builders, but with the help of the Council who closed the roads for three consecutive Sundays in march,

we have managed to completely remove the interior of the building and introduce new reinforced concrete flooring without too much disruption to the area of the junction of the High Street and Gaol Street” Local builder Euron Griffiths added “we had to completely strip the interior, including a modern two storey extension at the rear, brick by brick, and carry it through the old pub front door.

The restrictions we have on preserving the exterior meant that it was a labourintensive operation, but we managed it.”

The reconstruction of this building will be complete. As Robert says “The reconstruction started in February with reinforced floors being laid in order to house the feature “Grand Spiral Staircase.” The new interior will be very different from the old. Instead of three separate areas downstairs there will be one large space, housing the bar and seating area. The upstairs will likewise

be opened up into one main area housing the restaurant, with the kitchens to the rear. I don’t think anyone who knew the old Whitehall will believe it’s the same place, the transformation will be enormous and hopefully spectacular.

The new “Whitehall Pwllheli” will be serving lunches downstairs in the bistro/ bar whilst offering Welsh cuisine in the upstairs restaurant.”

Above: One of Rob’s contemporary art barcode paintings.

Below: The Whitehall pub in Pwllheli

Who is Robert David?

Building on his interest in art and design, in 1995, Robert David undertook a one year course in Interior design at the 5th Avenue Parsons School of Design, living in a warehouse in New York, giving him the perfect combination to unleash his creativity.

In 1996 he returned to Wales and started Robert David Interior Design.

He was quickly snapped up by the BBC and hired as a designer/ presenter on the programme Real Rooms. He has subsequently been seen on ITV and S4C and amongst his many specialities as well as interior

30 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

design is transforming the look of furniture into various styles including the current favourite – “shabby chic.”

Robert also takes commissions for his Barcodes as Art creations which can be seen in Fresh. Check out his website for more informationwww.robertdavidinteriordesign.com

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Words and Pictures by Emma Lewthwaite

DID YOU KNOW THAT? Regular visitors to Abersoch may or may not have noticed on their travels the rich Welsh heritage of the area lives on in the names of places and houses. With so many new property developments happening all the time, the new owners/property developers are strongly encouraged to name their house in Welsh to keep the language alive. The BBC Wales website has a Welsh house name generator to help in such cases, and can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/ wales/livinginwales/nameyourhouse Here are some translations of some common welsh words you may have seen around Abersoch, and a couple of things that you may not know...

‘PORTH’: Most people will be aware of the welsh word ‘Porth’ from signs directing you to the beaches of Porth Ceiriad or Porth Neigwl. ‘Porth’ simply means Port where ships would come in and out of to load and unload goods. You will find the majority of beaches with the word ‘Porth’ in on the other side of the Peninsula; Porth Ysgo and Porth Iago are beautiful coves which were often used for smuggling goods.

ABERDARON: Aberdaron is a small fishing village at the end of the Llyn Peninsula, 12 miles from Abersoch. Like Abersoch it gets very busy with tourists during the summer and has beautiful walks all the way around the coast. The village was also home to the famous Welsh character; Dic Aberdaron back in the 1780’s. Dic was a unique man and often described as odd because of his tramp like appearance and lifestyle. He is mostly known for teaching himself 15 languages including Latin and Greek by traveling across the land, calling into libraries as he went along. His character is kept alive with the majority of primary schools around the Llyn learning about his legacy.

‘GWYNT Y MOR’: ‘Gwynt’ simply means ‘Wind’ and ‘Mor’ means ‘Sea’, so this house name translates to ‘The Sea Wind’.

‘SWN Y DON’: ‘Swn’ is translated to ‘Sound’ and ‘Don’ is a mutation of ‘Ton’ which means ‘wave’, so the name of this house translates to Sound of the Wave.

‘SNOW DROP’: Did you know that if you translated this Spring flower word for word it’s not the actual welsh word for the flower? Snow translates to ‘Eira’ and Drop translates to ‘Diferyn’ so we get ‘Diferyn Eira’. But actually the true translation of the flower is ‘Lili Wen Fach’- Small White Lilly.

32 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

‘REFAIL BACH’: You will see many houses named after ‘Refail’ which translates to Blacksmith, this is because these houses used to be home to a local Blacksmith or Smithy! A lot of these houses will hang a horse shoe next to the name as small clue. ‘Bach’ simply means Small, so together we get Small Blacksmith.

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Abersoch’s only Two Rosetted Restaurant only Two Rosetted Over 50 years inAbersoch’s the Good Food guide, LongestRestaurant Running Continuous Entry Over 50 years in the Good Food guide, Longest Running Continuous Entry Outside the London Area the London Area One ofOutside Wales’ Country Hotel Classics One of Wales’ Hotel Classics Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool, Country All Weather Tennis Court and Impressive Outdoor Heated Swimming Gardens Pool, All Weather Tennis Court and Impressive and Views andHustle Views and Bustle of the Village A Family Friendly HavenGardens Beyond the A Family Haventhe Beyond the Hustle Bustleon ofthe theOpposite Village Just a ShortFriendly Walk across Abersoch Beach,and Situated Just a Short WalkHeadland across the Abersoch Beach, Situated Over Looking Cardigan Bay on the Opposite Headlandare Over Looking Cardigan Bay Disappointment Lunch & Dinner Bookings Recommended to Avoid Lunch & Dinner Bookings Recommended to Avoid Disappointment Open are all Day for Tea & Coffee Open all Day for Tea & Coffee

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A LOCAL KINGDOM Bardsey Island|Ynys enlli

Here’s a question for all you quizzers out there. What do apples, the RSPB, 20,000 dead saints, large aquatic mammals, King Arthur and an excellent pint of beer have in common? The answer is on your doorstep, well a good stone’s throw away from the shoreline in fact. It is Ynys Enlli, or in English, Bardsey Island. In addition to this list there could have been added a lighthouse, an abbey (ruined), a monastery (again ruined), utilityfree holidays, flora and fauna. For an island that is just a mile long and half that wide it is a very interesting place to visit.

Words by Dai Davies

34 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Bardsey Island: A local kingdom

S

Sunset over Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) Photograph by Martin Turtle

o where to start? Let us go back a few years, about 1,500, to an age where Vikings rampaged through this land and probably gave the name to the island thanks to a chieftain called Barda. Since that time the English name has been adopted as the Island of the Bards although the Welsh version translates into The Island in the Currents. It is known that as early as 500 years after the birth of Christ, St Cadfan’s abbey was built on the island and historical books quote that “the holy place of burial for all the bravest and best in the land” and “the land of indulgences, absolution and pardon, the road to Heaven, and the gate to Paradise.” It is no wonder that it is believed that some 20,000 saints are buried under the soil on the island. A Celtic cross remains in the ruins of the abbey that commemorates the saints that are said to have been buried there.

Inevitably the island became a popular place for pilgrims, it has even been suggested that in medieval times, the then Pope declared that three pilgrimages to the island was to be of equivalent benefit as that of one to Rome itself.

Then along came Henry V111 and his trashing of monasteries and abbeys under the Dissolution of the Lesser Monasteries Act of 1536. Some elements remain though as the bells, screens and choir stalls were salvaged and put into the parish church in Llanengan which was being built around that time.

The island fell under the control of the Newborough Estate and in the 1870’s farms were rebuilt, a lime kiln constructed and even a small limestone quarry started. The local census puts the population of the island in 1881 as 132, by 1961 it had fallen back to just 17, and then by 2003 the figure recorded was just 4.

In researching the background of the history of the island, the myths of King Arthur and his magician sidekick Merlin keep interrupting the factual recollections. As with all things Arthurian, there is a significant amount of supposition, assumption, interpretation and legend. The story however is worth repeating.

Chris Barber and David Pykitt are Arthurian legend authors and their version of the events at the time run along these lines.

When King Arthur was wounded in the Battle of Camlann, he was taken to the Isle of Avalon, which Barber and Pykitt claim is Bardsey Island. The battle is placed as being at nearby Porth Cadlan and an obscure 14th century manuscript suggests that Arthur “gave orders that he should be carried to Gwynedd, for he intended to stay in the Isle of Avalon.”

Now several traditional stories suggest that Merlin‘s last resting place was Bardsey, where he slept in a magical glass castle. There is | 35

Bardsey Island: A local kingdom

Bardsey at Dusk Photograph by Martin Turtle

further suggestion that attached to the monastery at St Cadfan was an early type of greenhouse where apples were grown and where patients could recuperate. The authors tie this all together by the translation of Avalon as meaning a “place of apples,� the Welsh word for apple is afal. More on the apples connection later, but you can see how these legends grow.

Aside from light aircraft, hot air balloons, helicopters or microlights the best place to view the island is on top of Uwchmynydd.

A fantastic walk on a clear day, but you can also access it by car.

Take the road to Aberdaron then follow the signs, and keep going until you get to the top, you can’t go any further! The 360 degree view from there is as stunning as anywhere and given a clear day you can view Bardsey Island in all its glory.

The Island is famous for its wildlife and rare plants which have been undisturbed by any of the many farming practices that have been employed on the mainland. It is also a fabulous place to watch grey seals that congregate on the shores, up to 200 at any one time sunning themselves on the rocks or fishing for lobster and crab. At certain times of the year various species of porpoise and dolphin can be spotted and at the turn of this century the 36 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Whales and Dolphin Conservation Society started carrying out surveys on the waters that are rich in food due to the currents around the island. The RSPB is the current tenant of the sheep farm on the island managing the natural habitat which is an important point on the migration of thousands of birds. While the seabirds nest on the eastern cliffs blissfully breeding in the absence of any natural predators such as foxes or rats, up to 30 or so other species, some quite rare, can be found nesting all over the island. The island has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its maritime communities including rare plants and lichen.

One plant in particular is the Bardsey Apple. A single gnarled old tree was discovered near the remains of a 13th century abbey in 1999. Hailed as the rarest tree in the world it is perhaps all that remains of the monastic orchard. It is the only apple variety from the Celtic welsh heartland. On the island both tree and fruit are completely disease free. This is an extract from the Bardsey Island Trust website:In early September 2000 a birdwatcher staying at Cristin was using apples to lure birds. A chance conversation between the birdwatcher and another visitor to the island Mr Ian Sturrock led to a most exciting discovery.

Mr Sturrock, an expert on trees who rejuvenates fruit trees for a living was told that the apples had been collected from a tree on the island. On investigating this further Mr Sturrock discovered that the apple was growing on a gnarled and twisted tree on the

south facing gable end of Plas Bach and had apparently survived (if not quite thrived) there for many a long year. Although his enquiries amongst the island residents suggested that these apples had been enjoyed by generations of islanders no one knew what kind of apples they were save that the pink, lemon – scented fruit with its juicy and refreshing taste were possibly the only survivors from an orchard tended on the site by monks over a 1,000 years ago.

Mr Sturrock was puzzled by the apple and realised that it was unusual. “I didn’t recognise it, so I took it to the experts on

The Bardsey Apple has been hailed as the rarest apple in the world

British apple varieties, which is Brogdale Horticultural Trust in Kent” said Mr Sturrock.

There the apples were examined by Dr Joan Morgan, one of Britain’s leading apple experts, who thought she had tasted every one of several thousand varieties grown in Britain – until then. “We could not put a name to it, but who would wish it to be anything other than the Bardsey apple?” she said Dr Morgan declared it the world’s rarest apple, describing the apple as boldly striped in pink over cream, ribbed and crowned.

The Trust decided to ask Mr Sturrock to take cuttings from the tree the following spring so that we could grow more of this unique tree.

Through the Trust website you can buy the cuttings and grow them at home, or purchase them as a unique present.

One relatively modern building on the Island is the lighthouse.

It was finished in 1821 at the cost of £5,470.12s.6d (that’s “old” money) however the lantern itself cost another £2,950.16s.7d.

The total cost is therefore a great question for someone born after 15 February 1971! This lighthouse has a number of unusual features, the primary one being that it is square. It is 98 feet high and its walls are 4 feet thick at the base. The lantern is 14 feet wide and was originally fixed, but a replacement revolving lantern was installed in 1871, the oil lamp being replaced by electric in 1973 and then automated in 1987. Another unusual feature is the complete lack of any harbour, quay or even jetty facilities.

You can of course, visit the Island. Ferries regularly leave | 37

Bardsey Island: A local kingdom

In Bardsey We Trust

Bardsey and Uwchmynydd from Anelog Photograph by Martin Turtle

Aberdaron and occasionally Pwllheli to the island. You can also stay at one of the cottages but you must be prepared to expect nothing in the way of home comforts. Each property has a chemical toilet and according to the Trust website you are required “to empty your own bucket!” Gas cookers, no electric lights and certainly no mobile and internet connections, this is the ultimate get away from it all holiday. The information also suggests you should take more food that just the week you are booked for. They may not be able to come and ferry you back on the scheduled day if the weather is playing up. Apparently 17 visitors were stranded there for the best part of two weeks in 2000 when gale force winds prevented any boat going over to fetch them. That is unusual though! Again the Trust website is the place to go.

That leaves us then with just the “excellent pint of beer.” Regular readers of this magazine may recall last summer’s edition which featured a new local microbrewery producing a beer called Brenin Enlli (King of Bardsey).

The name is drawn from the tradition that the islanders used to elect from amongst them a King who was crowned by the Baron of Newborough. The actual

crown is displayed in the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool, but there are efforts being made to bring it back to Gwynedd. The first recorded King was John Williams and in 1900 the then King, John Williams the second, was deposed as he had become unfit to reign due to his alcoholism. The last King, Love Pritchard, offered himself and the men of Bardsey into military service at the outbreak of World War 1, but was refused; after all he was 71 years of age.

He took it so badly that he declared the island a neutral power.

Since then the Islands has attracted artisans of all types, poets, photographers, artists and film makers. Musicians too have tapped into the spiritual atmosphere, Bryn Terfyl being a patron of the trust and in 2009 the first electric rock band performed there – Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog.

The Island is an enchanting place, peaceful, tranquil and a million miles away from anywhere on a calm beautiful spring day. Wild, unforgiving and raw when the wind is howling and the rain lashing. Take a day trip there, give up your mobile signal for a few hours, breathe the air and enjoy the scenery. It is a magical place.

38 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Bardsey Island is owned and run by an unique Trust supported by donations, grants and Trust members subscriptions. There are a number of high profile supporters including the patron Bryn Terfyl, and the President the Bishop of Bangor. Speaking with Richard Farmer, the Trust Chair, it is clear that there is a driving force that will ensure the Island can be maintained and accessible for visitors for some time to come. He says “There is always a new challenge facing us and we need to be creative in our approach to solutions. For instance we have some fridges in the cottages, however, these are gas powered and are now only produced in the States at a cost of £2,000 each. Then there is the need to carry large gas canisters over to the Island every couple of weeks. The solution is that we have the services of an expert in solar power to set up a system that will generate enough power for the fridges while not becoming an eyesore.”

The are further developments coming on stream including rebuilding some accommodation to house volunteers. “The idea,” says Richard, “ is that we will be able to house some volunteers for a week, who will then use their skills to help maintain and develop other areas on the Island. This work is shortly to start and we are determined that wherever possible we will use local builders and resources as it is important to integrate the Island into the local economy.”

The Trust is keen to promote all aspects of the Island history and heritage, through the religion, culture including artists, novelists and poets, it’s natural resources and unique living community. There is one family that live there all year round, and a number of others that spend the spring/summer/ autumn there.

Check out the Bardsey trust website at www.barsdey.org for further information.

Mañana’s owners have knocked through the wall to create a spacious bar area.

mexican expansion Mañana Expands and opens a comfortable new bar area

Forget about the implications of the name of Abersoch’s Mexican restaurant, Mañana.

There was nothing about “delaying until tomorrow” in respect of the building work that has just transformed the restaurant this winter. After closing just after New Year, the restaurant was open again for St David’s Day having taken over the small clothes shop next door and knocked through.

There is now a larger bar area where customers can go for a drink while waiting for a table, after eating in, or just to quench a thirst. The owners of Mañana, Annie, Chris and Lee Hookes decided to increase the size of the establishment once the clothes shop previously know as Seren - became available and affordable. Says Lee “we have been running this business for about 18 years now, 10 years ago we decided to extend and put in a dedicated bar area, but that quickly got swamped by customers wanting to sit in that area. So when this opportunity came through we decided to go for it and make the kind of area we wanted in the first place.”

It is certainly a big improvement. Although only open for a couple of weekends as the magazine went to press, the menu, ambience and popularity of the restaurant is very evident, except now there is a greater feeling of space and being more relaxed.

The menu and seating numbers remain the same, as Chris says “ we will be looking to add new ideas to the menu as we go through the season, but the established Mexican dishes which people enjoy and order time

and time again will obviously remain. We have deliberately kept the number of dining seats the same as last year as we want to maintain a feeling of space, and this time keep an area for those casual drinkers that want to come in and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Mañana will retain it’s system of sittings, as Lee says “the system has stood the test of time, everyone knows what the score is, we don’t get tables booked out then cancelled at the last minute, it’s first come first served.

Clearly we can now offer a more relaxed environment for customers to wait in, and they can of course have a drink while they wait for a table, unlike previously, when

40 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

queues formed outside.”

Another change is a selection of fine tequilas on offer at the bar. There are brands there that are the tequila equivalent of the finest malt whiskies, or so I’m told.

They certainly look impressive in their new display case above the bar. Live music may be an option for the future subject to any license application, but for now the Hookes family are content to work at ensuring that the true taste of Mexico, blended with the fantastic Abersoch vibe, makes Mañana a great place to eat. Why not go for a drink, or to eat, or both, and tell them Sensation magazine sent you.

Words by dai davies

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The Mill project The transformation of a historic building into a modern masterpiece

Words by dai davies

O

n the outskirts of Pwllheli there was a derelict old mill which was in desperate need of some tender loving care and attention. Thankfully the building belonged to the family of Robert David, a local interior designer who decided that it was a project which was worth taking on and eventually would provide him with his home. No stranger to the televised projects where homes are completely transformed, he was a presenter for a time on Real Rooms, he set about the transformation.

The original Water Mill dated back to the early18th Century.

It’s successor and the one Robert developed, was erected circa 1855/70. This coincided with the opening of the “Black Rock” Quarry in Pwllheli in 1855 and the stones that built the Mill are from this quarry.

This was the heyday of the Water Mills in Pen Llyn, with all the surrounding farmers utilising their services. The grinding of flour was an everyday occurrence, the work itself demanding, but most of

them had shut down after the second world war with the advent of factory ground flour.

The adjoining little cottage was in fact the first building on this site. It featured in the “Wern Hall” rent books of 1725.

During the following 150 years the cottage and the Mill were joined due to various additions: a 1up 1down extension to the cottage to house the workers, a central building to house the cart and the “odyn” a series of brick ovens so that bread could be baked on the premises.

When Robert first came down to the mill and cottage in the 1970’s the place was completely derelict, with only what was left of the upstairs of the cottage utilised for keeping some chickens. The entire building had been overcome by various trees and the dreaded invasive ivy, which had practically torn down a lot of the roof and some walls. The Mill still stood proud, having originally been built with “Dressed Stones” rather than the “Field Stones” construction method of the tiny cottage.

Top photograph: The Mill before work began; overgrown and derelict.

Middle photograph: A transformation; the mill as it is now.

Bottom photograph: A bedroom in the house decorated with modern style.

42 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

“I hope we have created something here that looks original and that will age naturally over the years.”

This was a building that time forgot. Redundant it lay derelict and unloved for the next 30 years until Robert and his partner Carl came back to the Llyn Peninsula in 2002.

Then the work began!

Initially the planning permission was refused due to the fact that the property was too derelict to develop. Says Robert, “This made no sense at all to us, therefore we appealed this decision together with collecting as much historical information about the property such as the amount of families that had lived in the house itself and that it was an important landmark in the area. It’s also important to get as many local councillors on board, so letters were delivered to several asking for their support and explaining our project. After one more year we had our planning permission and work could begin.”

“The big challenge was to make the five separate existing units into one cohesive space” says Robert. “The Mill, the “Odyn”[ovens], the cart shed, the cottage and the extension were all separated with gable walls therefore linking these areas was the first objective. We were allowed by planning to demolish most of the building and rebuild from scratch, but the decision was made early on to keep the original units.”

It was a deceptive building says Robert, “it seems incredibly large from the front but in

fact although it’s very long approx. 29 meters, it was also very narrow - 7 meters at its narrowest. Our initial plans were to attach a 19 meter glass corridor running along the rear of the property acting as a link to the bedrooms says Robert.

This became a structural as well as planning issue. We employed a local structural surveyor to draw out the plans and we complied with the planning issue due to the fact that the “glass link” was on the first floor only therefore not infringing on the original footprint. This allowed us to create decent sized bedrooms and also increase natural light into what was a rather dark space.”

A local civil engineering firm was employed to undertake the work and as Robert says “it was very important to us to get some good stonemasons to create the “finished look” “I have come across several projects like this” he says “and the stone work looked wrong, I hope we have created something here that looks original and that will age naturally over the years.”

It is certainly a fabulous transformation and indicative of something that can be achieved with imagination, tenacity and of course, the funds. It is Robert and his partner’s private dwelling so we will not divulge its location but we are very pleased that they agreed to share their achievements with us.

Right top and bottom: More photos of the spacious and tranquil interior of the Mill Cottage.

| 43

It’s All Change at Clwb Golff Abersoch The Golf Club

Taking a swing

T

here has been a radical shake up of the management at Abersoch Golf Club, with local consultants Dai and Michelle Davies becoming general managers of the club, the professional Alan Drosinos Jones directing all aspects of the golf and new caterers coming on board.

The current Administration Assistant Ann Rowe, who has been at the club over 18 years, is taking a well-earned retirement and the club has taken the opportunity to look at how the club is run in the face of a succession of poor weather seasons and the economic climate. Says Dai, “this is a great honour for Michelle and I as this is a fantastic golf club which has a number of great attributes, not least its history and tradition of being a very friendly club. The course is challenging and in great condition despite the best efforts of the weather, the clubhouse is friendly and welcoming and the levels of membership are holding up well in the current economy. Of course, the club lives a little in the shadow of two 44 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

of the great courses in the UK, Nefyn and Royal St David’s, but alongside neighbouring courses such as Pwllheli and Porthmadog, this part of the world is rich for visiting golfers and we will be looking to attract our fair share.”

The views from the course are on a par with any in the UK, with the Snowdonia mountain range providing a stunning backdrop across the bay and with many holes running along the sand dunes and the beach. Says Michelle, “on a clear sunny day there’s no better place to be. Taking over the reins at the club will be a challenge for us, as the club has gone from strength to strength for over 100 years, and there is a great mix and diversity of members here with the feedback from visitors being very positive. We are looking forward to building on what others have achieved to date and while there will be some changes, some ideas will work, some won’t, with the help of the Committee members and the membership in general, we can provide a great golfing experience, a

warm welcome and a great place to come to eat and drink.”

New Captains for 2013/14 Mike Davies and Sue Torkington are the new Captains of Abersoch Golf Club for the coming year. Both are local residents and are looking forward to the challenges of leading the club.

Mike says “It is a great honour for me to follow so many illustrious captains at this fabulous club. There will be challenges ahead I have no doubt, but we have the basis of a great set up here and I’m looking forward to some good golf, great social events and helping the club achieve its ambitions.” Sue is also keen to promote the club “what I treasure most about this club is that there is no stuffiness associated with traditional golf club images. The mixture between golfers and nongolfers, good players and beginners, ladies and gents, juniors and seniors, is fantastic. I am really looking forward to a great year and keeping my fingers firmly crossed for some decent weather – I think we are due some!”

Will Williams: Life of an Abersoch Local

Every village has its own community with local characters and familiar faces you pass almost every day on the street and Abersoch is full of them.......

Words by Emma Lewthwaite

With so many special people in the village, each with their own history it’s hard to know who to choose. But what better place to start than with one of the oldest families in the village that probably knows Abersoch better than anyone.

Will Williams is a well-known local face in the village, unless he’s escaped to a hot country the majority of the time you will spot him working hard in his family run garage in the heart of Abersoch. Through the generations, Will’s family have lived in Abersoch for over a century, dating back to the late 1870’s, when his Great Grandmother (a widower at the time) and her three children moved to Tyddyn-Callod farm at the top of Abersoch.

It was from here on that the Williams’s family really took off and set their mark on Abersoch setting up their own local businesses that are still running today.

One of the most interesting topics we spoke 46 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Left Top: Will Williams in front of his garage as it is today Left Bottom: The Garage in the 1929. Pictured next to the old petrol pumps are Will’s Grandfather, also named Will Williams (left) and Robert John Harris (centre) who used to run a taxi service from the garage.

Above: Another shot of the garage in the 1920’s - then known as the Timberyard - with it’s staff and some happy customers. The small wooden building at the front is the garage’s office, as the larger building was all open plan.

Further up the beach road we can see a stone built blacksmith’s behind the garage which was eventually knocked down to widen the road. The stairs you can see leading to the top floor of the garage were also removed to make room for cars travelling to and from the beach.

about was how the various family businesses were set up, did you know that the garage hasn’t always been a garage? In the late 1800’s one of the first businesses was a Timber Mill; open from back to front, tree’s used to come in through the front into the saw and out through the back as planks of wood right up until the early 1900’s. As this business slowed down they decided to open up a garage downstairs which was run by Will’s Father. Meanwhile upstairs was kept as a joinery workshop which soon became an Undertaker’s, where Will often worked for many years alongside his Great Uncle. Although this job may not sound the jolliest of jobs to some people, Will had plenty of amusing stories including the burial of another well-known local character; Tony Lewthwaite with the help of John Guy, “It had been a wet day and the soil was obviously very wet and slippery,

and John being John slipped and nearly fell into the hole with Tony.. Tony would have loved it”! The business carried on up until the 90’s, and the last person Will buried was his Father.

The Garage was the first local garage in the area just as the motor car first appeared in the 1900’s and is still running as the same successful business today. Even the shell of the building is the same as it was all those years ago with a few modern touches. Will points out on a picture that in front of the garage where the petrol pumps are now, there used to be a small cottage attached to a shoe shop and an old Blacksmiths in a shed behind the Garage. But as the call for businesses like this decreased, they unfortunately closed.

I was curious to know how much Abersoch had changed since those early years, however Will points out that rather than

standing still, the village has progressed and adapted to modern day needs. Since Will can remember, Abersoch has always been a tourist destination for the Cheshire and Manchester area and has been very lucky that families across the generations still come down today as it holds all kinds of fond memories for each family.

However the one thing that has seen a change over the years is Pen-Benar Headland, which has been in the Williams’s family since 1912. Will explains that this piece of land started off as one big sand dune which his Grandfather then developed with houses and the first Yacht Club in the 20’s, which was later renovated to what it is now in the 70’s. Along with this they own the car parks on the headland which his cousin Griff runs, where you will often spot him collecting money in his little green shed! Their family also run the busy | 47

Will Williams

Life of an abersoch local

beach café on the main beach, but the café hasn’t always been situated there. The first Café was located in the middle of the beach car park (where Griff now lives), again set up by his Grandfather who would move from the farm down into Abersoch in the summer to run the Café. Along with this he would rent boats to people from the main beach during the 20s-30s as not many people had their own private boats back then compared to the mass of people that do today, he also begun Abersoch’s first fishing trips. Another interesting fact that Will told me was that the concrete Beach Huts that stand in the corner of the Main Beach today are the same huts that stood there in the 1920’s, again ran by his Grandfather. A lot of the same families have carried on to rent these huts through the generations.

Totally Abersoch Top picture: Summertime in the mid to late 1920’s, Below: the same beach as it is today

48 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

When I asked Will about the future he says he has no intention of moving from the village, in fact the furthest he’s moved in all these years is about 300 yards! Will has always seen himself living and working in Abersoch and admits that as a young lad would often skive off school to go and help out at the garage where he mainly taught himself mechanics with the help of his Uncle. His son Guy also seems to have the same mind set as his Dad and hopes to carry on with the family business running the garage ready for the next generation.

When I asked Will what his favourite part of Abersoch is, he shared his love of the beach and said despite being to many amazing places across the world not many places beat Abersoch. He points out that the beach plays a big part in your life if you’ve been brought up in Abersoch which I couldn’t agree more with; “On a lovely day with flat calm sea and the mountains in the background, you think why would you want to be anywhere else, this is perfect”. The only thing Will would change about the village is the weather!

Will Williams

A blast from the past: Recognise the headland in the top picture? That is Abersoch main beach before the SCYC, before the beach-huts, before any man made structure was added! The centre picture shows the headland as it is today.

The bottom photograph is a colorised postcard from 1922 showing the little office that Will’s grandfather ran his beachhut rentals from, and the tiny collection of beach huts!

50 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Life of an abersoch local

Boatyard Services Ltd www.abersochboatyardservices.co.uk

Rydym hefyd yn cynnig amrywiaeth eang o weithgareddau awyr agored drwy gydol y flwyddyn.

Eich i’n gwefan am fwy o wybodaeth We also offer a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year. Please visit our website for full details.

Offering the best Park & Launch Service in the village with a friendly, family oriented atmosphere.

Also offering our now legendary Total Boat Management Service as well as general servicing and repairs.

Authorised Yamaha sales and service centre.

Also available is our excellent undercover storage service.

For more details on any of the above give Tim a call, or email tim@abersochboatyardservices.co.uk 01758 713900

Don’t forget The Timcast, every Thursday!

for the season with the help

of Abersoch’s finest clothing boutiques!

! g n i r p S o t n i p o H

W

hat better way to showcase the stores of Abersoch’s Spring stock than with this Season’s vibrant colours and graphic patterns. Get ready for some serious neons and bright patterns this Spring, but if you don’t feel brave enough to wear them then there’s plenty of toned down pastels and florals around.

Our yummy cakes were provided by Nina at ‘Beachy Bakes’ which you can find on Facebook for more info.

Our lovely backdrop is the gardens of Plas Bodegroes near Efailnewydd. Styling by Emma Lewthwaite.

All photography by John and Simon atTotally Abersoch 52 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

rabbits are hopping, and easter is around.

The daffodils are out, the

the corner . time to get dressed From Left to Right: Thomas wears: Pink Tshirt- £29.50/ Jack Wills, Jeans- £69.50/ Jack Wills. Cara wears: Neon Jumper- £55/ First Light, Spotty Jeans- £49.50/ Jack Wills. Charlie wears: Hoodie- £32/ O’shea Abersoch. Isabel wears: Fleece- £40/ O’shea Abersoch, Croc Wellies- £19.95/ First Light. Shelley wears: Navy Mac- £59.50/ Jack Wills, Purple Vest- £25/ O’shea Abersoch, Trousers- £45/ Boardrider. Zoe wears:Grey Hoodie- £50/ O’shea Abersoch, Denim Shorts- £45/ O’shea Abersoch. Sam wears: Tshirt- £26/ Boardrider, Shorts- £38/ Boardrider.

Pink Blanket/Scar f- £22/ Coastal Culture, Butter fly mini windmills- £1.49/ Present Thoughts.

| 53

Egg and spoon race!

54 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

piggyback tim e!

e n o d e e In ! ! e s e h t f o Left Page: Top Photograph From Left to right: Thomas wears: Check Shirt- £45/ O’shea Abersoch, Navy Tshirt£20/ O’shea Abersoch, Jeans- £69.50/ Jack Wills. Sam wears: Tshirt- £26/ Boardrider, Shorts- £38/ Boardrider.

Charlie wears: Yellow Tee- £18/ Boardrider, Blue Zip Hoodie- £35/ O’shea Abersoch.

Zoe wears: Neon Cardigan- £55/ First Light, Black Vest- £16/ Boardrider, Skinny Jeans- £49.50/ Jack Wills.

Cara wears: Neon Jumper- £55/ First Light, Denim Spotty Skirt- £49.50/ Jack Wills. Isabel wears: Pink Hoodie£32/ O’shea Abersoch, Stripey dress- £23/ First Light, Spotty Leggings- £13/ First Light, Butter fly mini windmill£1.49/ Present Thoughts. Shelley wears: Knitted Jumper- £50/ Boardrider, Pink Jeans- £49.50/ Jack Wills.

This Page: Top Photograph: Isabel wears: Fleece- £40/ O’shea Abersoch, Croc Wellies- £19.95/ First Light. Shelley wears: Knitted Jumper- £50/ Boardrider.

Bottom Photograph: Zoe wears: Top- £59.50/ Jack Wills, Denim Shorts- £45/ O’shea Abersoch, Bag- £94/ First Light.

| 55

Clockwise From Top Left: Rutilated Quartz Pendant on Leather Thong £57, Big Llanbedrog Shell on Loopy Chain £160, Carnival Cluster Drop Earrings £37, Matching bangle £80, Sea Light Cluster on Light Silver Chain £46.

All by Flipside Jewellery

56 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

seaside jewels

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58 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Oooooh. . yummy!

Left Page: Top Photograph from Left to right: Zoe wears: Red Mac£59.50/ Jack Wills, Striped Jumper- £48/ Boardrider, Skinny Jeans- £49.50/ Boardrider. Shelley wears: White Jumper- £55/ O’shea Abersoch, Yellow Scar f- £19.95/ First Light, Skinny Jeans- £49.50/ Jack Wills. Sam wears: Jeans- £69.50/ Jack Wills, Striped Top- £39.50/ Jack Wills, Grey Hoodie- £45/ Boardrider. Charlie wears: Yellow Tee£18/ Boardrider, Blue Zip Hoodie- £35/ O’shea Abersoch.

Thomas wears: Blue Mac- £89.50/ Jack Wills, Grey Jumper- £45/ O’shea Abersoch, Shorts- £48/ Boardrider.

Isabel wears: Pink Hoodie- £32/ O’shea Abersoch, Stripey dress- £23/ First Light, Spotty Leggings- £13/ First Light.

Cara wears: Knitted Jumper- £55/ First Light, Shirt- £35/ White Stuff, Skinny Jeans- £47.50/ White Stuff.

Also featured: Blanket- £49.50/ Jack Wills, Bag (with beach mat)- £65, Pink blanket (can also be worn as scar f)- £22/ Coastal Culture, Bucket (set of 3)- £14.99/ Present Thoughts, Butterfly Mini Windmill- £1.49/ Present Thoughts, Napkin Holder- £9.99/ Present Thoughts, Teapot- £11.99/ Present Thoughts, Candle- £8.50/ Coastal Culture, Striped Blue Throw (can also be worn as scar f)£35/ Coastal Culture, Umbrella- £29.50/ Jack Wills, Croc Wellies- £19.95/ First Light, Bunting- £7.99/ Present Thoughts.

This Page: Top Left Photograph From Left to Right: Shelley wears:, Dress- £40/ Boardrider, Hoodie- £48/ Boardrider, Belt- £25/ White Stuff. Zoe wears: Dress- £49.50/ Jack Wills. Cara wears: Dress- £40/ First Light Top Right Photograph: Biscuits by Beachy Bakes Bottom Right Photograph: Cara wears: Jumper- £55/ First Light, Blanket- £49.50/ Jack Wills.

W

e wo uld like to tha nk ou r am azi ng mo de ls; She lley , Zoe , Ca ra, Sa m, Tho ma s an d no t for ge ttin g the ad ora ble Isa be l an d Ch arl ie for ma kin g the sho ot suc h a fun an d suc ce ssfu l da y.

Als o a spe cia l tha nks to Ch ris an d Gu nn a Ch ow n at Pla s Bo de gro es for let tin g us sho ot in the ir be au tifu l gro un ds.

All ph oto gra ph y by by Joh n an d Sim on @ Tot ally Ab ers oc h.

| 59

Golf Starters Group Gorgeous views from the course

Fancy being the next Rory McIlroy or Michelle Wie? On the other hand have you thought about playing golf but never got around to doing it, thought it too expensive to start or just didn’t fancy wearing the loud jumpers?

Well Abersoch Golf Club in conjunction with the Golf Union of Wales is giving you a chance to try it out and see whether it is a good walk spoilt as someone once said, or whether it is a great sport, combining exercise with technique and friendly company.

In April the club is offering beginners or those that have played in the past and looking to restart, the opportunity to become involved with an introduction package and lessons in the company of like-minded others. The initiative entitled New2Golf has been developed by the development arm

of the Golf Union of Wales on the back of the highly successful Ryder Cup campaign in Celtic Manor and is looking to encourage more players to the game of golf.

Abersoch Golf Club is supplementing the scheme by introducing reduced and introductory membership fees to encourage new players to progress and become involved in the club and the weekly competitions and social activity enjoyed by the current membership. If you’ve never swung a club before, had a go quite liked it and want to do more, or if you just think it’s a good way to get some exercise, contact Alan Drosinos Jones, the golf professional at the club for more information. You don’t need to have your own clubs, balls or shoes as these will be provided, if you have a fancy

jumper then all well and good!

Says Alan “The club has a great history of introducing new members through these initiatives, especially ladies. Members that have joined over the past few years have gone on to become integral to the club, with many winning prizes and competitions as they progress.”

The cost of the introductory pack is just £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors and includes:-

50% off your first lesson A friend or family lesson voucher 6 for the price of 5 lessons voucher Insurance A beginners’ guide to the rules and etiquette.

A package of introductory lessons can be booked through Alan and details of pricing and availability are available at the club.

Tel: 01785 712622

Words by Dai Davies 60 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Photography

Showcase Sit back and take in the wonderful scenery of the local area through the lens of Abersoch Sensation magazine’s two senior photographers; Martin Turtle of Turtle Photography and John Wormald of Totally Abersoch.

62 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Showcase Photography

Beach Huts at Sunset by Martin Turtle. A gorgeous view of Abersoch’s main beach at dusk.

A view of St Tudwal’s islands from the Llyn Coastal path in Bwlchtocyn by John Wormald of Totally Abersoch

64 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Photography

Showcase

The Inner Harbour by Martin Turtle.

66 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Showcase Photography

Traditional British Game Shooting set in the Heart of the Beautiful Llyn Peninsula

Simulated Game Practice 1 Person: 150 targets over 3 drives £49 each 3 Persons: 900 targets over 3 drives £99 each Full Day for a group of 10-14 £165 each

Walked-Up Game Shooting • Driven Game Shooting • Simulated Game Shooting

Bodfuan shoot Ltd, The shoot Lodge, Bodfuan , Pwllheli, Gwynedd north Wales LL53 6DT

Tel: 07920 517 289

bodfuanshoot.co.uk

A gorgeous arial view of the coastline by John Wormald of Totally Abersoch

68 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Photography

Showcase

Spectacular cottages, locations & service

Not just houses for holidays – we have houses for parties, anniversaries, weddings or your very own special celebration – available all year round.

A splendid selection including grand country houses, fab funky houses, converted windmills and even a tower!

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Farm Shop

Café * Diner

Outdoor Attractions > Open 10.00am to 6.00pm Four miles out of Pwllheli on the A499 road to Caernarfon.

LL53 6PG

01766 810 000 info@glasfryn.co.uk

Restaurant open Easter to end October

www.glasfryn.co.uk

Try our takeaway service for pizzas, burgers and puddings!

facebook.com/glasfryn.parc

You’ll find us in Abersoch village

Lon Sarn Bach, Abersoch, Gwynedd LL53 7EE T. 01758 712332 l www.egryn.com

The Vaynol Featured Pub

Words by Dai Davies

Totally Abersoch

T

here’s no clearer indication that spring has arrived than revellers sitting in the sunshine outside the front of The Vaynol at the weekend, drinking, laughing and generally adding to the fantastic buzz that Abersoch seems able to generate year after year. The Vaynol public house is legendary, anyone that has been to stay in the village knows of its existence, uses it as a landmark to direct to other buildings whose names and character have changed over years, and acts as a magnet after those “busy” days on the beach.

Latterly known as The Vaynol Hotel and The Vaynol Arms, The Vaynol as it is called these days was built originally back in the 1800’s. The name is taken from the country estate situated just outside Port Dinorwic between Bangor and Caernarfon called Y Faenol. The estate has been handed down through inheritance and royal decree over the centuries, but in the 1800’s the estate was owned by the Assheton-Smith family whose prime interest was slate production which at that time was a very profitable business. Even in 1856 the Dinorwic Quarry made a profit of £30,000!

That wealth enabled the family to buy up significant tracts of land and they ended up as the 3rd largest landowning family in Gwynedd. The name comes from the Welsh word for “manor” – maenol, which when the Welsh for “the” is placed in front becomes “Y Faenol.”

Current landlord Jonathon Allmay (“Block” to all those that know him) and his partner Jilly Brabbin, took over the pub in December 2005 from Adrian Boult (Boulty) who tragically passed away recently.

It was a sort of homecoming for Block, who remembers at the age of 4 through to 14 staying in The Vaynol Hotel in the summers of the 1960’s in the top rooms with his

Above: The bar’s last orders bell Below: The Vaynol crew from 2010 - Fiona Charlotte, Ellie, Tracy and Ash

70 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Photo courtesy of Gwynedd Archives Service.

Josh Boyd

Above: Photograph of the Vaynol Hotel and the police station (now White Stuff) from 1903 courtesy of Gwynedd Archives Service. The patio was only built about 20 years ago. Note the dirt and grass road that is now the main street!

Below: The Vaynol as it is today.

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The Vaynol Featured Pub

Totally Abersoch

family. They immediately started to make improvements to the building.

A previous outside children’s games room became a Cadwalader’s ice cream franchise. The left hand side of the building was converted to a restaurant area in 2008 and the bar area refurbished. A couple of years ago the Biscuit Ceramic Studio was added with the help of a Welsh Assembly Grant.

The studio is used for local school craft days, craft fairs and for the tourists and locals alike to try their hand at pottery decoration.

Finally last year the area known as the games room/conservatory, at the back of the pub was developed to provide better toilet facilities, baby changing facilities and easier disabled access.

More major work was undertaken in the bar area with refurbished seating, bar, cladding and tables giving more of a seaside feel to the place. Local craftsman Jonathon Harkinson (Harky) of Wildwood Designs is credited with much of the transformation creating the tables and the new bar top which is built with four interlinked pieces of hand crafted wood and clad the bar in sand blasted beach styled light wood to eliminate the dark panelling that was there previously. Pizza ovens were also added to the Vaynol Kitchen in 2012 to add variety to the popular menus.

Robinsons brewery took over the pub

72 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Left: Ash working behind the bar before it’s refurb.

Below: Andy Kimber running the Abersoch 10k representing The Vaynol

Below: The new refurb has given the bar a new lease of life

on to Pwllheli road On the A499 Caernarf

LL53 6PG

Full instruccon, safety equipment & showers included (just bring a towel) Minimum age: yrs Pre-booking recommended 01766 810 000 www.glasfryn.co.uk

facebook.com/GlasfrynWakeparc

The Vaynol Featured Pub

Totally Abersoch

Above: The spacious conservatory- play a game of pool while catching the footie on the widescreen TV! Below: The gorgeous sunlit restaurant- known as ‘Block’s Bistro’.

play apparatus and garden landscaping with relocated entrance gates.

As an iconic building at the centre of Abersoch, The Vaynol supports local activities to the full. You will find in the bar a variety of photographs featuring Block in various sailing events, including many here in Abersoch. The team also get involved in the Abersoch 10k race and The Vaynol Trophy is played for each

year at the Golf Club. So when you are next sitting on one of the benches outside The Vaynol, basking in late afternoon sunshine with the tingle of a hard day on the beach, just take a moment to think about the changes that have taken place in the village over the years and how The Vaynol has been central to everything that has been going on. Raise a glass to its history and enjoy the moment.

Totally Abersoch

from Punch Taverns in May 2010 and have recently upgraded the bar equipment and cellar, including pumps coolers, taps and beer lines. Block and his team are not finished yet though; they plan to upgrade the apartments for the staff and create three rooms with new bathroom facilities, for rent, by the end of the year/early 2014. Also in 2014 there are plans for a new beer garden build with children’s

74 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Rob DaviD InterIor DesIgn & Art

Feeling daunted by the prospect of starting an Interior Project for just one room or even the whole house! You can be guided

by Interior Designer and Owner Robert David Tel 01758740125 Mobile 07775806035

Email info@robdavidinteriordesign.com

robdavidinteriordesign.com

76

Property Section

Abersoch has always seen an afluent housing market, wrapped in a bubble that sets it apart from the normal

trends seen across the UK. However, bubbles are prone to bursting and we’re in tough times. Martin Lewthwaite, branch manager of Beresford Adams Abersoch brings us up to speed.

Abersoch from Foel Gron. Photo: Turtle Photography

“There are already signs of a frission of excitement from potential buyers...”

I

t has been another sluggish start to the year with January and February particularly slow with the Weather been so bad in inland areas it has delayed people coming down to view property.

We’re all desperately seeking signs of Spring- and nowhere more so than in the property market. There are already signs of a frission of excitement from potential buyers in the towns and citiesencouraged by cheaper mortgages fuelled by the governments funding for

lending scheme, this should all help the housing market to warm up. The major portal site Rightmove are reporting in the first 6 weeks of 2013 property pages viewed were 20 per cent up on the same period last year. I feel the market may have at long last bottomed out and this may well be the first year since the market crashed in 2008 that we are at the start of a new cycle. We are not expecting a sharp recovery but if a property is realistically priced then there are buyers out there, but a sustained improvement in the wider economic environment is still very much needed in the long term. There are a wide range of fabulous properties now available and Beresford Adams has already listed some great properties in 2013, some at prices 25% less than they would have been at

the peak in 2006. Log onto our web site BeresfordAdams.co.uk and have a look at the varied property now available stretching from Abersoch down as far as Aberdaron.

The Sunday Times has just announced The Best Places to Live in Britain and Abersoch is nominated as one of the top villages and may well be voted as the top seaside location in Wales and possibly the best throughout the UK.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN THE LOCAL AREA

Coastal

Homes Tan Y Gaer. Photo: Totally Abersoch

A couple to fall in love with .....

Abersoch & surrounding villages have stunning individual properties in abundance, many with unrivalled views and occasionally some with land too.

The 2 featured properties this issue certainly tick both those boxes and worth a closer look at if you’re currently looking.

Once in a Lifetime THE BOATHOUSE, Llanbedrog. Price on Application.

Beresford Adams are favoured with instructions to offer for sale, The Boathouse , Llanbedrog and there can be few more iconic houses in the whole of North Wales than those situated on Llanbedrog beach, in an

area of outstanding natural beauty with deciduous trees growing directly only the shoreline.

The property was originally 4 fishermans cottages and are now converted into two self contained units, being a well appointed 3 bedroomed cottage and a one bedroom cottage, with the owner having obtained recent planning consent to convert into one larger unit, incorporating the lower ground floor ancillary rooms into living space.

The outstanding feature is the magnificent direct beach frontage, with its magnificent panoramic views across the bay to Snowdonia.

At low tide the beach stretches for 4 miles, whilst at high tide the sea laps against the boundary wall of the house.

The property is approached through the grounds of the private estate, Plas Glyn with Weddw with 3 parking spaces by the side of the house.

For further details please contact Beresford Adams, Abersoch on 01758 712016 www.beresfordadams.co.uk

Y Stabl Hen

18th Century Bliss Y STABL HEN, Off Lon Engan, Abersoch, LL53 Price £695,000 A highly impressive fully renovated and extended 18th Century four bedroom detached stone barn conversion together with an extensive modern detached garage complex having the benefit of planning permission for conversion into a granny annexe plus the erection of a new garage.

The immaculately presented property offers space and light in abundance lying in a beautiful countryside setting being within 1 mile of the affluent village of Abersoch and standing within its own grounds of some two acres which include a well enclosed grass paddock (just under 2 acres). The property enjoys an elevated position with spectacular views across farmland to Cardigan Bay and St Tudwal’s Islands with the Welsh mountain range in the far background. .

Ty Gwyn is listed as £695,000 via Beresford Adams, Abersoch. 01758 713819 www.beresfordadams.co.uk

The Boathouse

78

Escape to the

Little Orchard

Berllan Bach

Turtle Photography

Escape to your own self contianed swiss style chalet. Close enough to the village to enjoy the fun but far enough away to relax to your hearts content.

To book call: 01758 740992 www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

Little Orchard, Abersoch, Gwynedd LL53 7LD

PROPERTIES TO RENT IN THE LOCAL AREA

Home away from

Home What better way to spend quality time away from home than to rent a stunning self-catering retreat in Abersoch for your holiday. Here’s a small handful of an outstanding selection that’s available.

Cottage Escape NYTH Y WENNOL & TY WOMS, Abersoch From £300 per week.

Nyth y Wennol and Ty Woms are charming cottages located within the grounds of Bwlch Farm on the edge of Abersoch.

Restored and renovated to a high standard, Nyth y Wennol, sleeping 4 guests, and Ty Woms, sleeping 2 guests, combine a stylish mix of antique and traditional touches alongside modern conveniences.

With beautifully appointed interiors and lovely graveled patios overlooking a large grassed lawn and walled garden, the cottages are an ideal escape for couples and families alike.

Less than a mile from Abersoch and close to the village of Llanengan, Nyth y Wennol and Ty Woms are great bases for exploring

The Warren Beach. Photo: Totally Abersoch

the beaches of Abersoch and Hells Mouth and lie within walking distance of the local family friendly pub, The Sun Inn.

Want a Good View?

Nyth y Wennol and Ty Woms can be rented individually or together with weekly rentals priced from £300 at Ty Woms and £400 at Nyth y Wennol. Dogs are welcome by arrangement. For further details call Abersoch Holiday Homes on 01758 740992 or visit www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

Madoc View, is a lovely, very well presented luxury detached bungalow, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Fantastic sea views, wonderful views over Abersoch, Snowdonia, Cambrian Mountain Range and Tremadog Bay. The nearest beach is a short walk, approximately 250 yards. Abersoch village is approximately

MADOC VIEW, Bwlchtocyn. From £550 £1,195 per week

Prime Position Madoc View

one mile across the beach or golf course.

Porth Tocyn hotel is within easy walking distance which is open to non-residents. The property has full central heating throughout making this an ideal property for anytime of Y Noddfa the year. Inclusive WiFi internet connection and SKY TV. Craig Y Pwll

Contact Abersoch Quality Homes Tel 01758 730729 Mobile 07787 796522

CRAIG Y PWLL, Pen Benar Headland, Abersoch From £1,000 per week.

Craig y Pwll, sleeps 10. A magnificent detached marine residence on the cliff top with direct access to the beach (at low water) Nyth Y Wennol

80

Prices from £1000 to £2000 per week.

From Home From Home Wales. www. homefromhomewales.co.uk Code 49253

Madoc View

Haulfryn House

The Hidden Gem of Abersoch Village

Peace and tranquillity 2 minutes from village & beach.

Grade II listed house/apts. Sleeps 6-24.

Set in 3 acres of magnificent sub-tropical gardens.

Wonderful panoramic sea views. Cosy log fires.

Tennis court, croquet, badminton, table-tennis.

Free wireless internet.

Private path to main beach and own beach huts.

www.haulfrynhouse.co.uk E-mail: enquiry@haulfrynhouse.co.uk Tel: 01625 262571 Beach huts also available for independent rental.

HALFPAGE PAGEPROPERTY PROPERTYADVERT_ART_03.13:Layout ADVERT_ART_08.12:Layout1 1 20/3/13 9/8/12 HALF

12:17 15:30

Argraig, F19 TheAbersoch Warren, Abersoch

BorthCottage, Cottage,Abersoch Abersoch Borth

Luxury detached Victorian villa sleeping 11 Lovely chalet on the luxury holiday home park, guests in 6 stylish bedrooms. Bright and The Warren, Abersoch. Just 50 yards from the beautifully presented to the highest standard beach with partial sea views. Sleeps 6 guests in throughout. Desirably located in Abersoch village 3 bedrooms and benefits from all on-site leisure centre with all Abersoch amenities on the facilities including indoor and outdoor pools. doorstep. Large rear raised balcony and ample off road parking.

Exquisite luxury coastal house situated a stone's Exquisite luxury coastal house situated a stone's throw from the beach.

Borth Cottage throw from the beach.

Borth Cottage in in Bwlchtocyn sleeps guests 6 en-suite Bwlchtocyn sleeps 1212 guests in in 6 en-suite bedrooms and boasts own heli-pad, cinema, bedrooms and boasts itsits own heli-pad, cinema, open fires, state the kitchen, conservatory open fires, state ofof the artart kitchen, conservatory and games room.

Large landscaped gardens. and games room.

Large landscaped gardens.

Broadband included.

Ty Cottage, Hir, Llanbedrog The Abersoch

5 Tan y Gaer, Abersoch Carneddi, Mynytho Spacious and well presented holiday home

Individually house located in the Beautiful end designed terrace house within a mile of picturesque village Llanbedrog.

Abersoch village and of sleeping 5 in 2 Fabulous stylish open planRenovated lounge, kitchen and dining with bedrooms. and refurbished balcony with views.

Sleeps 6 in 3Elegant sumptuous throughout withsea chic nautical touches. bedrooms with 2patio en-suites and a family garden with lawn, and dual level bathroom. broadband included decking with Wireless sea and countryside views. and dogs welcome.

Broadband included.

Mona, 243 Cae Abersoch Du, Abersoch

Beautifully presented overlooking Well presented propertycottage on the popular Cae Du Abersoch harbour beach.Bright Elegant patio estate in central Abersoch. and airy and open terraces with breathtaking views.

Only 2 minutes plan kitchen, diner and lounge.

Lovely enclosed walk to Abersoch village and beaches. Many Sleeps 8 rear patio ideal for outside entertaining. guests in 4 elegant bedrooms. extras including broadband.

Dogs welcome.

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.

Photos Totally Abersoch Photos byby Totally Abersoch

Page 11 Page

Fabulous designed detached property enjoyingindividually both stunning panoramic sea views with panoramic viewsand towards The Warren, towards Abersoch far reaching countryside Abersoch andthe Cardigan Bay. Large views over Llyn Peninsula.

Justconservatory a short walk to leading to private patio, gardens and extensive Abersochs popular shops, restaurants and grounds.

Dogs welcome.

Broadband beaches.

Large rear balcony.

Sleepsincluded.

8 in 4 Sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms. spacious bedrooms.

Over60 60high highquality qualityself selfcatering cateringcottages cottagesininAbersoch, Abersoch, Over Llanbedrog and around the Llyn Peninsula Llanbedrog and around the Llyn Peninsula

Telephone01758 01758740992 740992oror07979 07979497071 497071 Telephone Emailabersochhh@btinternet.com abersochhh@btinternet.com Email www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

2013

Events

Essential Dates for your calendar

Totally Abersoch

June

1st June Fairline Abersoch 10k returns following the success of the previous annual races. For more information, or to sign up to either the 10k or 3k races go to www.abersoch10k.com.

14th June – 15th June Dragon Northerns - The Yacht Club will once again be host to some amazing competitions throughout the 2013 season. Be sure to check out the action on the water to see some awesome sailing on display. www.scyc. co.uk 30th June - 5th July Squib Nationals www.scyc.co.uk

July 5th, 6th and 7th July Wakestock Festival The huge wakeboard & music festival that attracts the biggest bands & DJ’s and international wakeboarders from around the world. Check out www.wakestock.co.uk for announcements.

21st - 26th July SCYC Dinghy Week - The great beach and perfect dinghy conditions combine to make Cardigan Bay the premier family oriented dinghy regatta on the UK calendar. Check out www. scyc.co.uk for more information.

Abersoch Keelboat Week

82 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

28th July - 2rd August Enterprise Nationals www.scyc.co.uk

Events 2013 August

Essential Dates for your calendar

Join the fun at GBB 2013!

4th - 9th August Albacore Nationals - www.scyc.co.uk 4th - 9th August Squib Welsh Open & Seabird Open Week - www.scyc.co.uk 6th - 10th August Abersoch Regatta Week - Includes: Crab catching competition - Abersoch Harbour Annual Open Golf Competition Abersoch Golf Club Great Raft Race - Abersoch Main Beach Sandcastle Competition - Abersoch Main Beach Best Dressed Beach Hut Competition Abersoch Sailing Regatta.

12th - 16th August Abersoch Mirror Week www.scyc.co.uk 16th - 17th August Glass Butter Beach Festival -Surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding and BMX along with big bands and DJs, funfairs and camping with the most spectacular view. A lot of fun and a great festival vibe. www.glassbutterbeach.com 17th - 18th August RS Feva Open & Tera Open www.scyc.co.uk 19th - 23rd August Abersoch Keelboat Week www.scyc.co.uk 24th August Abersoch Mackerel Race - Taking place on the Main Beach, a great event for all ages that gets people out on the water to raise money for charity. www.scyc.co.uk 26th- 31st August Cadet Nationals - www.scyc.co.uk 84 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

September 1st September Open Water Swim - more info will be released soon on www.abersoch.co.uk 27th - 29th September Abersoch Jazz Festval Pen Benar headland (SCYC Car Park) www.abersochjazzfestival.com

October

5th October Abersoch Half Marathon - A new event for Abersoch Details at: www.abersochhalf.com

November 29th-30th November Abersoch Christmas Launch

January 2014 1st January RNLI New Year’s Day Sea Dip www.abersoch.co.uk for all the latest info.

Soch Heads The New Year’s Day Dip is an annual event gathering momentum each year it takes place, with bigger turnouts and wilder costumes each time! It’s a fun filled day raising money for a worthy cause; the RNLI. This year’s theme was ‘Heroes’ - interpreted in a wide variety of ways as you’re about to see! John Wormald of Totally Abersoch was there on that chilly January the 1st, have you been snapped?

86 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

There was many a ‘mankini’ about that day..

Found them!

Never thought i’d see these three together!

10 points for originality!

A sweep is as lucky, as lucky can be!

HULK SMASH!

Here come the Men in Black

Wonder...er, ‘woman’?

| 87

Regretting it yet? Brrrr

A triumphant Robin!

Doing the Can-can in the freezing sea

What a pair!

A succesfully drenched Batman celebrates his achievement

88 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

His spidey senses are tingling... with cold!

Not sure who his hero is but I love it!

Crazy freezing dippers with their medals

Time to head to the speak-easy i think...

Victory!

Buzz Lightyear throwing some shapes!

| 89

Soch Heads Abersoch held a very successful Christmas Launch event last November with the local school children singing Welsh and English carols and a visit from Sion Corn (Father Christmas) The whole village came to life for a fantastic, lively festive evening with the aroma of mulled wine, roast chestnuts, turkey & mince pies drifting around the village. John Wormald of Totally Abersoch was there on that chilly January the 1st, have you been snapped?

Trainee firemen?

A crowd to rival the jazz parade!

90 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Happy elves

Mince Pie?

‘My bar!’

Piggyback!

Soch Heads Out and About Have you been caught by the Sensation camera?

All photos by Totally Abersoch

Speeding past the St Tudwal’s Islands

Heading for the surf at Hell’s Mouth

Happy campers

Andy Vowell on patrol

The Kickbacks

92 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013

Keelboat week

20 BERESFORD ADAMS 01758 649011 www.beresfordadams.co.uk Estate Agents & property rentals.

ABERSOCH INDEX RESTAURANTS & CAFES

1 THE COCONUT KITCHEN, Abersoch 01758 712250 Favourite Thai restaurant by the harbour. www.coconutkitchen.co.uk 2 PLAS BODEGROES, Pwllheli, 01758 612363 www.bodegroes.co.uk Delightful Georgian Manor House, elegant bedrooms & lovely grounds.

3 ABERSOCH DELI & ZINC BAR & GRILL, Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch. 01758 713456 Breakfast, lunches, daytime snacks & evening meals.

4 PETAL A POT TEAROOMS, Ty Mawr 01758 713098 www.abersochgardencentre.com 5 TREMFAN HALL, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli 01758 7140169 Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere & Stunning Views. www.tremfanhall.com 6 VENETIA Stunning Restaurant with rooms in the centre of Abersoch - 01758 713354 www.venetiawales.com 7. EGRYN TASTE, Lon Sarn Bach, Abersoch, LL53 7EE Tel: 01758 712332 Web: www.egryn.co.uk Egryn Taste offers freshly made soups, pates, salads, pizzas, gourmet steak and chicken burgers, fish and steakstones.

8 FLIPSIDE CAFE, Up the hill by Land & Sea 01758 712772 Coffee, Tea, Cakes Sandwiches & Ice Cream 9 THE COFFEE SHOP AT LAVENDER HOUSE, Bron Y Berth, Penrhos 01758 614343 www.lovelavenderhouse.co.uk Yummy cakes, freshly prepared food, great view. 11- 4:30 Tues - Sun

HOTELS & B&B’s

10 PORTH TOCYN HOTEL, Bwlchtocyn. 01758 713303 www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk Continuous entry in the Good Food Guide since 1957 11 VENETIA, Abersoch 01758 713354 Stunning Restaurant with Rooms www.venetiawales.com.

12 THE OLD RECTORY Boduan, Pwllheli, 01758 721519.

Five Star Country House Bed & Breakfast with Self Catering Cottage. www.theoldrectory.net 13 ANGORFA Bed & Breakfast High Street, Abersoch 01758 713158. www.angorfa.com

ACCOMMODATION

14 ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES, 01758 740992 www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk. Stunning holiday properties

to rent in the village 15 Y NODDFA LUXURY HOLIDAY PARK Rhosfawr,

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Pwllheli. 01766 819098. Luxury Lodges for sale & to rent. www.sanctuarylodges.co.uk 16 DEUCOCH CARAVANS, 01758 713293 www.deucoch.com. Family friendly run caravan & camping site near Abersoch.

17 TYN Y MUR, Lon Garmon, Abersoch 01758 712328 www.tyn-y-mur.co.uk Family friendly touring & camping park.

18 HAULFRYN HOUSE, Abersoch Beach Road, Abersoch.

01625 262571 www.haulfrynhouse.co.uk Stunning house of great charm. Sleeps 6 - 24 overlooking Abersoch Bay 19 MENAI HOLIDAY COTTAGES 01248 430258 www.menaiholidays.co.uk Fabulous self catering holiday cottages in North Wales

PUBS

21 ZINC BAR, Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch 01758 712880 Open every day, 5pm until late.

22 THE SHIP INN Llanbedrog, 01758 741111. Freshly prepared food & great beers. New outdoor dining area.

23 FRONT DOOR BAR, The Riverside Hotel, Abersoch 01758 712419 www.riversideabersoch.co.uk DJ’s & Live Music, Enjoy a bucket, lap of honour ....

RETAILERS

24 FLIPSIDE JEWELLERY Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 712772 www.flipsidejewellery.co.uk Jewellery, handmade on the premises. Commissions undertaken.

25 PRESENT THOUGHTS Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch 01758712646 Inspirational and unusual gifts, Abersoch merchandise, fun beach goods, unique home decor and a range of jewellery and accessories.

26 TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 713641 www.turtlephotography.co.uk Landscape & seascape gallery, prints, postcards, framed pictures, photo restoration 27 OFFAXIS Glanafon Garage, Lon Engan, Abersoch, LL53 7HP 01758 713 407 Web: www.offaxis.co.uk Offaxis is a leading supplier of wakeboards, wetsuits and surfboards. Run by boarders for boarders.

28 ABERSOCH GARDEN CENTRE Ty Mawr, Abersoch 01758 713098 Gardeners mecca, come and visit our extensive range of garden accessories, water features and displays.

29 HIDEAWAY BOOKS High Street, Abersoch 01758 701022 Books, gifts, jewellery, beach stuff and much more.

30 FIRST LIGHT High Street Abersoch 01758 713830 Clothing for men & women, jeans, hoodies etc stock HOWIES & clothes made with organic cotton. www.firstlightclothing.co.uk 31 LAVENDER HOUSE Bron y Berth, Penrhos 01758 614343 www.lovelavenderhouse.co.uk Vintage, chabby chic, coastal, unique pieces, furniture, gifts, homeware, 7 days a week 10-4:30 32 TOTALLY ABERSOCH - Gallery and gifts, Past Golf Rd & Cae Du then 800 yrds up the road. Abersoch 01758 713666 www.totallybersoch.co.uk 33 COASTAL CULTURE - Abersoch 01758 712414. Swim, Surf, Skate, Boardsport inspired clothing. www.coastalculture.co.uk 34 SPAR CAE DU, Abersoch.

Providing you with all your local shopping needs 35 ABERSOCH ANTIQUES 10 Penlan Street, Pwllheli, LL53 5DH Tel: 01758 613173 Antiques Dealer (Formerly Jonathan Adams Antiques) 36 WILDWOOD DESIGNS Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 712161. Beautiful bespoke furniture. www.wildwooddesigns.co.uk 37 ROB DAVID Interior Design & Art, 01758 740125 robdavidinteriordesign.com Interior design.

38 SIOP Y PLAS, Llanbedrog Beach goods, Jewellery, Gorgeous Gifts & Lifestyle Products.

Follow the signs for the Llanbedrog beach.

39 CHILLI PENGUIN STOVES, Pen Y Berth, Penrhos 01758 721247 www.chillipenguin.co.uk Top quality stoves, high efficiency, Clean burn, range of colours

Martin Turtle

Last poem Sea Fishing Off the Jetty

by Mark R Slaughter Out on the jetty, men froze All in the game of casting rods Midnight laughed, chose another Wave to throw upon the mortals So they turned up the Tilley lamp Warmed up hope and gave comfort The blue-black clouds, overweight With snow and gloom, dumped their icy guts Gales ripped, night ghouls howled, and Banshees wailed from stinging snow But Man’s WWII tenacity stood up hard In granite block - Man must show manliness, Beat the wretchedness of Nature’s raw power, Take home the catch - the worthy catch Raison d’être; tell His women of the perils endured The essence of sea fishing purred.

98 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Spring 2013